The enormous humanitarian effort launched in the wake of the deadly earthquake in Turkey and Syria will receive $10 million from Australia.
More than 3500 deaths have already been confirmed, and more are likely to follow.
In a joint news conference with the incoming prime minister of New Zealand, Chris Hipkins, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed Australia’s “deepest sympathies and condolences” to those affected.
The Australian government will provide an initial $10 million in humanitarian assistance to those affected through our Red Cross partners and through humanitarian agencies, Mr. Albanese said. “These multiple earthquakes that hit the region are having a devastating impact,” he added.
“Australia’s aid will focus on those who are most in need.
The people in this region who are suffering right now are, in my opinion, in the thoughts and hearts of everyone in the globe.
Mr. Hipkins extended his personal condolences while echoing those of his colleague.
We are quite familiar with New Zealand earthquakes and the severe effects they may have on individuals, he added.
We are thinking of them. The worldwide effort will also include New Zealand.
He said the specifics of a New Zealand aid package would soon be announced by his Foreign Affairs Minister.
Both nations join scores of others who have offered assistance in the wake of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake, which occurred in the early morning in icy conditions.
In Turkey, footage shows multi-story apartment buildings collapsing to the ground, while in Aleppo, Syria, severe damage was done to archaeological sites.
Numerous aftershocks, including one with a magnitude of 7.5, struck during the search and rescue operation after the first earthquake.
