Australia will give $10 million in humanitarian assistance to help response efforts following Turkey’s devastating earthquake.
The death toll from Monday’s quake has risen to more than 4400.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said Australia’s consular services were working with local authorities to follow up on a “small number” of citizens in affected areas.
“It is a crisis that is affecting so many of our fellow human beings. We will continue to monitor the unfolding situation on the ground,” she told the Senate.
The government will provide $7m to Turkey, of which $4m will be provided through Red Cross and Red Crescent partners to support the injured and evacuation efforts with food and items such as tents and blankets.
A further $3m will be allocated as needs become clearer.
In Syria, $3m will be administered by UNICEF to help with shelter, clean water and sanitation, with the Syrian aid to focus on women and girls.
New Zealand will also provide $1.5m.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese conveyed Australia’s condolences, saying the nation was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and devastation.
“All of the world’s thoughts and condolences are with the people in this region who are suffering at this time,” he said.
Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham also expressed his condolences, reflecting on his conversation with the Turkish ambassador on Tuesday.
“None of us imagine that the homes we are living in will collapse upon us in the middle of the night,” he said.
“He recounted stories that he is seeing of those in the zone, saying they now feel ashamed to go to sleep.”
Senator Birmingham also praised the rescue efforts and volunteers working in the disaster zones.
“It is of course in these events we see the best of humanity rescuers working heroically,” he said.
“We send our love, prayers and best wishes to those who have lost loved ones, the thousands more injured.”
Source: AAP
