TURKEY – Dompet Dhuafa is working on the delivery of basic needs aid and disaster response in the event of a major earthquake that struck Turkey, Syria, and its surroundings on Monday (6/2/2022). Previously known, an earthquake of 7.8 magnitudes occurred in the southern region of Turkey precisely in the province of Kahramanmaras, Gaziantep, Osmaniye on Monday (6/2/2023) early hours at 04.17 AM local time or 08.17 AM Indonesian time.
According to Turkey government records, the epicenter was in Kahramanmaras Province, ±600 km southeast of Ankara. On the same day, there were also several aftershocks with a fairly high strength, namely 6.5 to 7.5 magnitudes in Gaziantep province. In fact, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) noted that there were 60 aftershocks that occurred.
Launched from CNN Indonesia, until Tuesday (7/2/2023) the evacuation process of earthquake victims is still ongoing with an increasing number of casualties up to eight times. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the total number of casualties of the Turkey-Syria earthquake will reach more than 20 thousand people.
Also read: Turki Diguncang Gempa 7,8 M, Ratusan Jiwa Meninggal Dunia, Dompet Dhuafa Kirimkan Bantuan
On the other hand, it is certain that this disaster has killed more than 3,823 people with details of 2,379 people killed in Turkey and 1,444 people killed in Syria. In addition, more than ten thousand people were injured, including three Indonesian citizens (WNI) who are currently undergoing treatment.
Over this disaster, the Ankara Government has declared a seven-day mourning period in honor of the families of the victims who lost their family members.
Director of Social Services, Da’wah and Culture of Dompet Dhuafa, Ahmad Shonhaji stated that currently Dompet Dhuafa is working on and compiling careful planning so that dompet Dhuafa’s disaster response team can immediately help at the disaster site and so that basic needs aid can be immediately distributed.
“This is a moment for us to take a role in the Turkish earthquake response. This is a concern for humanity. First, we need network access there, make sure the government network is the main foothold. This disaster is quite huge and extraordinary, so it is necessary to optimize our emergency assessment response network in Turkey.”
“We ensure network access and team readiness to proceed to the Turkey-Syria Earthquake disaster response as soon as possible. The readiness of response and medical logistics is the top priority,” he said in quick coordination as a strengthening of Dompet Dhuafa’s response team for the Turkey-Syria Earthquake.
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Meanwhile, according to the Chief Executive of Disaster Management Center (DMC) of Dompet Dhuafa, Haryo Nugroho needs speed and accuracy in responding to the Turkey Earthquake, considering that the impact caused is also very large. Currently, the main focus of Dompet Dhuafa and DMC is to distribute basic and urgent needs aid for earthquake survivors. The delivery of early-stage assistance in collaboration with local partner networks has also been rolled out by Dompet Dhuafa.
“We emphasized more coordination this morning to roll out a basic needs response that can be carried out immediately. Considering that there are so many casualties and of course it requires a lot of medical teams for handling in the field,” said Haryo while leading the Turkey Earthquake Response Coordination Meeting.
“Exploring and deepening with local partners who have confirmed legality and reputation is a step that Dompet Dhuafa continues to strive for, so that it can immediately roll out and hit the right target,” he added.
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Furthermore, Haryo said that DMC and Dompet Dhuafa were now preparing evacuation teams and medical volunteers to help accelerate the evacuation and recovery of victims of the Turkey Earthquake.
“We’re also preparing the team to leave with a composition of; certified evacuation volunteers, medical volunteers, and communication teams,” Haryo said.
With this quick action, Haryo also hopes that society can collaborate with DMC and Dompet Dhuafa to help the survivors of the Turkey-Syria earthquake.
“Hopefully, more Indonesians will collaborate for this response and the sooner Dompet Dhuafa distributes the mandate of donors to earthquake survivors in Turkey and its surroundings,” he concluded.