UNHCR's support to the victims of earthquake in Van

Story, October 26, 2011

The UN Refugee Agency dispatches large amounts of relief to the
earthquake victims

Press Release

Ankara- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) responded positively to Turkey’s appeal for non food items and decided to immediately dispatch from its regional warehouse in Dubai, thousands of tents and blankets.  UNHCR is one of the United Nations agencies based in Turkey and a member of the UN country team which is standing in solidarity with Turkey during this challenging period.

UNHCR started to arrange immediately the dispatch by air of 2,000 tents and 40,000 blankets to Erzurum. UNHCR has already donated this summer to the Turkish Red Crescent Society, 2,000 tents, 10,000 blankets and 10,000 sleeping mats for Syrians in Hatay, but these materials were not needed there given the return of many Syrians to their country.  It is agreed that these items can also be used for the victims of Van earthquake. So the total amount of UNHCR’s response to Turkey’s appeal reaches to 4,000 tents, 50,000 blankets and 10,000 sleeping mats. The UNHCR relief items are expected to begin arriving in Erzurum tomorrow, Thursday 27 October. 

UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. António Guterres sent to President Abdullah Gul of Turkey on 24 October a letter of condolences for the loss and injury due to the devastating earthquake, and expressed his solidarity.

For Further Information: Metin Corabatir, 0533 572 87 16