The Turkish government expressed its gratitude towards the Saudi Royal Family and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their outpouring of humanitarian aid following the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Monday. The 7.8-magnitude earthquake claimed the lives of over 25,000 people and left many others in need of rescue and assistance.
The Saudi Royal Family and other Gulf nations were quick to respond to the crisis, setting up air bridges to provide food, medicine, and essential supplies, as well as sending rescue personnel to the affected areas. According to the official statement released by the Saudi Press Agency, the Turkish government expressed its appreciation for the support and solidarity shown by the Saudi Royal Family and its people.
Several planes loaded with aid from the Saudi Royal Family and its King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) have arrived in various affected areas in Turkey, with Saudi search and rescue teams working tirelessly alongside their Turkish counterparts. The Kingdom has sent a total of six aid planes to Turkey and Syria, including the latest one that arrived in Turkey’s Gaziantep on Saturday, carrying 98 tons of essential supplies such as food, blankets, and medicine.
Trucks loaded with aid from the Saudi Royal Family also began entering Syria through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing from Turkey on Saturday. The Kingdom has also launched its “Sahem” program to accept donations for the aid effort, with over $71.1 million collected from 745,937 donors so far.
The United Arab Emirates, a neighbor of Saudi Arabia, also sent aid flights to Turkey and Syria and pledged $100 million for relief efforts, with various campaigns in the country amplifying international aid efforts.
