UN Türkiye Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator: “The UN will continue to help Türkiye as long as the country needs”

The UN will continue to help Türkiye as long as the country needs, following the February 6 twin earthquakes that claimed the lives of more than 43,500 people, the United Nations (UN) Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator said.

On February 23, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Alvaro Rodriguez travelled to the areas affected by the twin earthquakes, met with authorities and first responders. 

Mr. Rodriguez visited the tent city established in Onikişubat Stadium in Kahramanmaraş, where 5,000 people have been taking refuge. 

Rodriguez visited the tents of Doctors Worlwide Türkiye (Yeryüzü Doktorları) which provides medical services at the tent city.

He said that  he was struck by the scale of the devastation, but praised the response by the Government, the international community, and Turkish citizens.

"Unfortunately, we are currently seeing the results of this devastating earthquake. The Turkish nation, the Turkish people and the Turkish state, together with international organizations, have been providing all necessary interventions and support since the first day. We, as the UN, are also here on the ground.” Rodriguez said.

“Türkiye is very important as a founding member of the UN. We have been here always and, we will continue to be here as long as Türkiye needs us” the Humanitarian Coordinator emphasized. 

He noted that the scale of earthquakes is "unprecedented" in terms of geographical area.

"I have never seen anything that covers 11 provinces and 15 million people. I think it's something that surprises me that I thought there would have been more deaths on more injured people. So, it suggests that the response was effective, the rescue teams and the medical emergency teams have worked well."

He said that the UN launched a $1 billion humanitarian appeal, which covers a three-month-period, for victims of the earthquakes.

Noting that Turkey is also hosting Syrian refugees, Rodriguez added "We also expect the international community to provide the necessary support, taking into account the generous hosting of Syrian refugees by Türkiye.”

UN disaster assessment teams remain active in southeastern Türkiye to support the coordination of urban search-and-rescue operations and assist in the needs assessments.  

A liason team in Ankara is also working with Turkish authorities, who are leading the response,.

As of February 23, less than five per cent of the $1 million flash appeal was funded.