The Welsh Government has pledged £300,000 in financial support to the victims of devastating earthquakes in southern Turkey and north-west Syria which have destroyed lives and collapsed entire buildings. The money will go towards urgent aid to help victims of the disaster to survive and keep safe.
Firefighters from Wales have been part of the team helping rescue survivors, and the Welsh Government's donation comes as part of its International Strategy to help Wales be a "globally responsible nation." The first 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the area happened on Monday and tens of thousands of people have been killed.
The Welsh Government reports that around 16,000 people have lost their lives since the first earthquake on Monday, and Sky News reports that this total has now passed 20,000. The Turkish government says a further 380,000 have sought refuge in government shelters and hotels.
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Speaking alongside the Disasters Emergency Committee and its member charities, social justice minister Jane Hutt said: "This is a deeply sad and devastating event, and my condolences are with those who have lost loved ones. My thoughts are also with the injured as well as Turkish and Syrian people in Wales waiting apprehensively for news.
"I’m grateful to people from all across Wales who are already offering all manner of support. The scale of destruction is vast, and I’d like to thank the brave search and rescue teams who continue to search through the rubble for survivors including firefighters from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, who are part of a team of 77 UK International Search and Rescue experts providing specialist skills and equipment to help locate and rescue survivors.
"Our International Strategy sets out our ambition to establish Wales as a globally responsible nation. With humanitarian need only expected to grow in Turkey and Syria, this financial support will go towards ensuring the urgent aid that people need to survive can be provided."
DEC charities are working with local partners to improve access to food, clean water, medical treatment and shelter in the immediate aftermath of the incident. The money will also help with long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction.
DEC Cymru's external relations manager Siân Stephen added: "In Turkey alone, 6,000 buildings including schools and health centres have collapsed, with infrastructure vital to everyday life such as sanitation and water supplies badly damaged. Of course, we know that money is tight for many people here in the UK as the cost-of-living crisis continues, but if you can, please do donate to support people caught up in this deadly disaster."
You can donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee online, by phoning 03706060610, texting HELPU to 70787 (this donates £10), over the counter at a bank or Post Office, or sending a cheque to DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal, PO Box 999, London EC3A 3AA.
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