Turkmenistan is preparing to send third plane with humanitarian aid to the victims of the earthquakes in Türkiye, dubbed the "disaster of the century", Turkish Ambassador to Turkmenistan Togan Oral said during his speech at a charity event organized at the Turkish Visa Center in the capital Ashgabat on Tuesday to help the earthquake victims.
Noting that a powerful earthquake struck Türkiye on February 6, Togan Oral said he feels the solidarity of the Turkmen people with the people of Türkiye. He thanked President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for their messages of condolence to the Turkish people and their wishes for a speedy recovery of the affected areas.
Stressing that Turkmenistan is one of the first countries to take action to help earthquake victims in Türkiye, Oral said, "On February 7, a 10-member medical staff went to Türkiye with medical supplies. Immediately after that, the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Fund collected humanitarian aid from public organizations, companies and citizens wishing to assist earthquake victims, which was sent to Türkiye by the second plane. At the moment the third plane is being prepared to leave."
The Turkish envoy highlighted that Turkmenistan understands the urgent need for earthquake aid in Türkiye, adding that the needs are changing day by day.
Stressing that shelter and warm clothing are the most urgent needs at this point, Oral informed, "We have started a plaid campaign to meet the need for blankets. We've already sent three thousand plaids to our country from our Turkmen brothers, and last night we sent another thousand plaids. At the moment, here in our Turkish Visa Center, we are constantly getting help and support. Until further announcement by the Embassy, citizens can come in and offer the help they need."
The U.S. Geological Survey measured Monday’s earthquake at 7.8 magnitude. During the second half of the day, a second massive earthquake of 7.6 magnitude has hit the southeast of Türkiye. According to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority of Türkiye, the earthquakes were followed by 3,170 aftershocks. As of 13.30 Türkiye time Wednesday, the death toll of the earthquake stood at 31,974.
