WHO: The worst natural disaster of the century in Europe
Hans Kluge, director of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Europe, said: “We are witnessing the worst natural disaster of the century in the WHO in Europe” for the earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş.
Kluge made assessments about the earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş and their impact on Turkey and Syria at the online press conference. Expressing his condolences for those who lost their lives in Turkey and Syria, Kluge said there was great and deep pain and that the WHO was with everyone who needed help.
Saying that approximately 5,000 people have lost their lives in Syria, Kluge noted that these numbers are expected to rise and that approximately 26 million people in Turkey and Syria are in need of humanitarian aid.
Working with many partners, Kluge said they support the fight to save lives, treat the injured and, in particular, ensure that the primary health care system is not disrupted.
Health Minister Fahrettin Koca and the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health said they were with Kluge, adding that “around a million people in Turkey lost their homes and are living in temporary shelters.”
‘WE DON’T KNOW THE REAL COST YET’
Recalling that the WHO launched an aid appeal worth 43 million dollars to support the fight against the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, Kluge said that he expects this figure to double after a better assessment of this situation in the near future. .
Kluge said: “Now is the time for the international community to show Turkey the same generosity that Turkey has shown other nations for years. “Turkey hosts the world’s largest refugee population, many from Syria,” he said.
Kluge, WHO Director for Europe, continued:
“We are witnessing the worst natural disaster of the century in WHO Europe. We are still learning about the magnitude of these earthquakes. The true cost of this is not yet known. Healing will take time and extraordinary effort. However, no matter how long this takes, the WHO will stand firm with the people of Turkey and Syria.” (AA)
Source: Sozcu
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