Enormous humanitarian needs after earthquake in Türkiye and Syria
Press release | Date: 06/02/2023 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
‘This is an immense tragedy. My condolences go to all those who have lost loved ones, and I am sending warm thoughts to all those who have been injured or affected’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been in contact with the Turkish embassy in Oslo and has communicated that Norway stands ready to assist in the relief effort.
‘It is already clear that the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria last night has generated enormous humanitarian need. The death toll is high. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has given the Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning a green light to send personnel from Norway in the next 24 hours,’ said Ms Huitfeldt.
This year, Norway is providing a total of NOK 500 million in funding to the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF). This funding can be used where needed.
‘Norway already provides support to the UN, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Norwegian humanitarian organisations to enable them to respond immediately,’ said Ms Huitfeldt.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining ongoing contact with Norway’s embassies in the region to determine how Norway can best provide assistance.
‘We will stay in touch with our humanitarian partners throughout the day to gain a better overview over Türkiye’s and Syria’s needs on the ground. Given the scale of the damage from the earthquake, we will assess the provision of additional support as the impacts of the situation become more clear,’ said the Foreign Minister.
