You are here:

Norway providing substantial support for earthquake victims

News story | Date: 07/03/2023 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health and Care Services

This content is more than 1 year old.

‘The earthquake disaster in Türkiye and Syria has caused immense suffering and widespread destruction. A large amount of aid has been delivered and is making a real difference,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.

It is one month since the first powerful earthquake hit Türkiye and Syria in the early hours of 6 February. Norway was quick to allocate funds for relief efforts and to send personnel and assistance for the response.

‘There will be a great need for aid for a long time to come. In Syria, this disaster comes on top of 12 years of civil war. In the first days following the earthquake, I was concerned about whether it would be possible to get aid through to those in need in Syria. The situation has now improved, and Norway has been able to provide support in both government and opposition controlled areas of the country,’ said Ms Huitfeldt.

Norway has contributed more than NOK 250 million in funding to the humanitarian response. This funding is being channelled through the UN, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Norwegian humanitarian partners. Norway has also sent personnel to help coordinate the crisis response. These efforts will continue in the weeks ahead.

‘Norway is providing support to Türkiye through the UN, which is working on the ground. Our focus is on providing shelter, humanitarian assistance and protection to the most vulnerable earthquake victims,’ said Ms Huitfeldt.

Norway has also donated medical equipment and supplies to Syria, totalling approximately NOK 11 million.

The Norwegian Armed Forces have sent a C-130J Hercules transport aircraft to Türkiye to assist in the medical evacuation of injured people and to help NATO transport 100 tonnes of tents, blankets, medical equipment and other emergency aid.

‘This is a tragic situation and the needs are enormous. It is only natural for Norway to help an allied country in a situation like this. Effective multilateral cooperation is enabling us to send essential supplies and aid to Türkiye quickly and efficiently,’ said Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram.

More information about Norway’s efforts in Türkiye and Syria can be found here: