Norway to provide NOK 150 million to earthquake victims
Press release | Date: 07/02/2023 | Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
‘Norway is providing NOK 150 million in funding to the UN, the Red Cross and the major Norwegian humanitarian organisations for relief efforts in the areas hit by the earthquake, in both Türkiye and Syria,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
In addition, Norway is sending four experts to assist in coordinating the crisis response. One expert is already on the ground to coordinate humanitarian aid that is now on its way. Norwegian-supported organisations are also in full swing to help with the relief effort.
‘This is a fight against the clock and winter temperatures are making the situation even more precarious. The earthquake has left tremendous destruction in its wake,’ said Mr Støre.
Rescue efforts are challenging, particularly due to the size of the area involved and the fact that it is partially under the control of opposition groups. The President of Türkiye has declared seven days of national mourning, to last until midnight on 12 February.
‘This is an immense tragedy, and it is already clear that the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria has generated enormous humanitarian need. It is a devastating situation for so many people. Norway’s humanitarian funding will be used to help the victims of the earthquake,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.
The humanitarian funding will be primarily channelled through the UN, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Norwegian humanitarian organisations. The UN and the Red Cross are currently working to obtain an updated overview of the humanitarian needs in the areas hit by the earthquake. The NOK 150 million being provided by Norway will help to address these needs. The funding will also go to life-saving medical help provided by the Norwegian Aid Committee (NORWAC) and assistance via the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning.
In addition to the NOK 150 million to the UN and the major Norwegian humanitarian organisations, Norway is providing a total of NOK 500 million in funding to the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) in 2023. Both emergency response funds have already deployed funding to support efforts in the areas struck by the earthquake.
‘We are maintaining ongoing contact with our embassies in the region and our key humanitarian partners to determine how Norway can best provide assistance. In light of the scale of damage from the earthquake, we will be considering providing additional support,’ said Ms Huitfeldt.