Finnish Red Cross directs aid to earthquake-affected areas
People who have lost their homes now need food, water and shelter. The Finnish Red Cross is prepared to offer further aid.
The Finnish Red Cross is contributing €300,000 from its Disaster Relief Fund to an International Red Cross aid operation to help those injured and displaced by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
Half of the amount will be allocated to aid in Turkey and half to Syria. The International Red Cross aid operation supports the work of the Turkish and Syrian Red Crescent Societies on site.
The Finnish Red Cross is prepared to offer further aid
In both countries, volunteers and workers of the local Red Crescent Societies have assisted in the search for people trapped in the rubble, organised hospital transport and provided first aid to the injured. Food and aid supplies have been distributed and temporary accommodation has been provided to those who have lost their homes.
Aid workers are working in difficult conditions in the wake of the earthquake. In Syria, the prolonged conflict and poor access to supplies are further complicating the rescue efforts.
“During the first few days, the role of local helpers is crucial to save lives. As the rescue and clearance work progresses, we must be able to help those who have lost their homes. They are currently in need of the basics: shelter from the cold weather, clean water, food and psychosocial support,” says Marko Korhonen, Head of International Emergency Operations at the Finnish Red Cross.
“We stand ready to offer further assistance based on what the Turkish and Syrian Red Crescent Societies need on site,” Korhonen adds.
In addition to financial support, the Finnish Red Cross is prepared to send material aid, aid workers and emergency response units providing healthcare and logistical assistance.
The International Red Cross aid operation aims to help 300,000 people in Syria and 300,000 people in Turkey. The aid is particularly targeted at vulnerable groups, such as single-parent families, children, people with disabilities and older people.
Help – donate to the Disaster Relief Fund
You can support the aid work of the Red Cross by donating to the Finnish Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
- By text message: SPR20 (€20) to the number 16499
- Through MobilePay to the number 10900
- Donate online: redcross.fi/donate/disaster-relief-fund/