The Italian Red Cross to help the populations of Turkey and Syria hit by the terrible earthquake two days ago. The earthquake has caused thousands of deaths, while the number of wounded and displaced people rises every day. In fact, the strong tremors caused the collapse of hundreds of houses and caused enormous damage to the cultural heritage.
Italian Red Cross on the front line
Volunteers of the Turkish and Syrian Red Crescent (corresponding to the Red Cross) have been at work from the very first moments to help the affected population. The mobilization of specialized operators and volunteers was immediate for medical transport, the search for missing persons under the rubble and support for the displaced with tents, blankets and hot meals. The psychological support service is active for families who have lost their loved ones.
After the first devastating shock with its epicenter in Kahramanmaraş in the province of Gaziantep, in Turkey, the Turkish sister company of the Red Cross has arranged to send tents, paramedical material, food and basic necessities. These are dramatic hours in which the cold and rigid temperatures unfortunately do not help the relief efforts. The Syrian Red Crescent is intervening with operators and volunteers to assist the injured people in Aleppo, Hama and Lattakia and Tartous and to try to bring to safety the greatest number of people trapped during the collapse of houses. Turkish Red Crescent teams are active in ten provinces of the regions most affected by the earthquake.
We help the Turkish and Syrian populations
“These are dramatic hours. We are close to the affected populations and express our deepest condolences for the victims and closeness to all the rescuers and to the Turkish and Syrian sisters who are doing their utmost in the first interventions. We keep in touch with the Civil protection naturally being available for possible international participation in relief efforts”. These are the statements of the president of the Italian Red Cross, Rosario Valastro.
La International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has opened a Emergency Appeal for sending aid to the sisters engaged on the front line. The volunteers are really doing their best but the damage is enormous and everyone's help is needed.
(Texts and photos of the Italian Red Cross)
