Denmark will send millions of kroner in emergency aid to Turkey and Syria following the devastating earthquake that has left thousands dead early Monday morning.
Development minister Dan Jørgensen wrote on Facebook that Denmark will initially send around 20 million kroner via aid organisations Red Barnet and Dansk Flygtningehjælp.
Jørgensen said that the money will be spent on water, food, blankets and tents to those in the poorest areas.
Denmark has also been requested by the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre to lead a Nordic emergency response team to Turkey to assist rescuing people trapped under collapsed buildings. Sweden and Finland are also taking part.
“The destruction by the earthquake in Turkey is overwhelming. It’s a deeply tragic situation, with families losing everything and the human cost being collosal,” said Jørgensen.
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Freezing temperatures
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck in south-eastern Turkey near the Syrian border and there are reports of heavy casualties in both countries.
According to a CNN article today, over 4,300 people have been confirmed dead in Turkey and Syria. Some 15,000 people have been injured.
Rescue operations have been hampered by freezing cold and aftershocks that reverberated through much of Monday.
In related news, it has emerged that one Danish national has been listed among the missing in Turkey.
The Foreign Ministry revealed to TV2 that the Danish embassy in Turkey is following developments closely in regards to that case and other potential cases.
