Finland sends more material assistance to quake-hit Turkey, Syria

Finland sent more material assistance to the areas hit by the earthquake in Turkey over the weekend and on Monday, said the Ministry of the Interior in a press release on Tuesday.

Some of the assistance will be delivered from Turkey to Syria.

There is still a great need for material assistance, such as emergency accommodation and heating, in the region.

The supplies included tents, blankets, heaters and dried food, all of which are acutely needed in the affected areas.

The Ministry of the Interior has cooperated closely with the Defence Forces and the National Emergency Supply Agency in providing the material assistance.

More than 50,000 people have died in Turkey and Syria. Estimates of the number of people in need of assistance vary greatly.

“Shortly after the earthquake hit, Finland provided the affected area with expert assistance and emergency accommodation. Millions of people are trying to cope with difficult conditions in the region, and there is a great need for more assistance. Finland has responded by sending emergency accommodation, heating and food,” said Minister of the Interior Krista Mikkonen.

Finland has previously provided expert and material assistance to the affected areas.

Assistance is provided through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

The Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command was responsible for organising the transport of the material assistance.

Immediately after the devastating first earthquakes, Finland provided Turkey with expert assistance and emergency accommodation for about 3,000 people.

In addition, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has responded to the emergency appeal for humanitarian aid made by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and donated EUR one million to Turkey and Syria.