Minister monitoring "heartbreaking" fallout of Turkey and Syria earthquake

Monday 06 February 2023

Jersey's International Development Minister says that she is closely monitoring the situation in Turkey and Syria after a devastating earthquake that has claimed the lives of more than 2,300 people.

Local relief and development agency, Jersey Overseas Aid have confirmed that officers are in contact with humanitarian partners in the area, including the UN.

According to the JOA, there have been indications that there will be a "significant" lost of life following the earthquake in Eastern Turkey and Northern Syria.

International Development Minister Deputy Carolyn Labey said: "The images coming back from Eastern Turkey and North Syria are truly heartbreaking. The widespread destruction and devastation, combined with extreme weather conditions, adds to what is already a chronic humanitarian situation.

"JOA’s officers are in contact with humanitarian partners on the ground including the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). As you would expect at this stage, priority is being given to emergency search and rescue teams who are searching through the rubble.

"We will continue to closely monitor the situation and identify how Jersey could best support the relief effort."

Pictured: The aftermath of the earthquake. (PA) 

The earthquakes have affected an area of approximately 400 kilometres, including industrial cities where around 12 million people live including around two million Syrian refugees, according to the JOA.

A statement by the JOA added: "JOA is in contact with humanitarian agencies in Eastern Turkey and Northern Syria following the devastating earthquakes that have hit the region this morning.

"Health facilities have been damaged and those that are functioning are being overwhelmed.

"Heavy snow in the entire region is further hampering the humanitarian response. The Turkish Interior Minister has issued an international assistance call."