Estonian Red Cross collecting donations for victims of earthquakes in Turkey

  • 2023-02-08
  • BNS/TBT Staff

TALLINN – At the request of the International Federation of Red Cross, the Estonian Red Cross started collecting donations to help the victims of the earthquakes in Turkey.

"The need for aid in Turkey is growing by the minute. Last night, the International Federation of Red Cross sent us an emergency appeal, a call for help, and thus we are starting the collection of donations in Estonia as well," Arvi Perv, secretary general of the Estonian Red Cross, said.

"The lives of tens of thousands of people were shattered in an instant. By giving help, we can ease the difficult situation a little," he added.

Donations can be made via the https://redcross.ee/anneta/turgimaavarinad/ website.

The damage from two consecutive earthquakes is catastrophic. More than 17,000 houses were partially or completely destroyed, thousands were killed and several tens of thousands were injured. According to current estimates, a total of 13 million people are affected by the earthquakes in one way or another.

The Turkish and Syrian Red Crescent swung into action immediately after the first earthquake. Nearly 300 workers and 630 volunteers are taking part in search and rescue operations, providing first aid, organizing the transport of the injured and distributing basic necessities to people left homeless. Altogether 80 catering trucks and mobile kitchens, 1,500 tents and more than 21,000 blankets have been brought to the crisis area.