Turkey, Syria quake: Mercy Malaysia provides substantial aid

27 Feb 2023 10:46pm

At least 44,374 people have died due to back-to-back earthquakes of magnitude 7.7 and 7.6.- (Photo by ADEM ALTAN / AFP)

KUALA LUMPUR - Humanitarian organisation Mercy Malaysia has provided substantial aid following its swift deployment to the site of the devastating earthquake tragedy at Turkey and Syria.

In a statement today, it said 40 oxygen cylinders, 10 portable ventilators, 500 Water, Sanitary and Hygiene (Wash) items, and 1,800 Non-Food Items comprising blankets, heater units, sleeping bags and socks had been provided as of Feb 24.

"In addition, four generator sets and food packs were distributed to 500 families in Syria. The composition of essential items distributed by Mercy Malaysia is based on humanitarian standards defined in the Sphere Handbook,” the statement noted.

Yesterday, the first three groups of Mercy Malaysia’s Rapid Assessment and Health Support Team made a safe return from Turkey and Syria, which have been hit by a series of earthquakes since Feb 6.

In the same statement, Mercy Malaysia said it was also targeting to gather about RM22 million to implement its TurkeySyria 2023 Earthquake Emergency Response and Recovery Plan aimed at building community coping capacity.

"Among Mercy Malaysia’s emphasis will be on access to healthcare support; emergency shelter support, psychosocial, protection and prevention support; emergency water, sanitation and hygiene as well as funds for food and non-food items,” read the statement.

Corporate bodies, institutions, and members of the public interested to contribute may visit the organisation’s website at www.mercy.org.my for more information. - BERNAMA