Norway to provide winter tents and emergency relief to earthquake victims in Turkey

The Government is working with the Norwegian Red Cross to help the victims of the earthquake in Turkey, by providing tents, blankets and other emergency relief.

Norway is also providing funds for buying food, medicines and other emergency relief supplies that will help 50 000 people in need. The earthquake in Turkey has caused massive destruction. Norway and the Norwegian Red Cross are sending 355 tents and 18 000 blankets for people in urgent need of assistance.

“All those who have had their homes destroyed are now in dire straits. Winter is on its way. It is cold, and there is no time to lose. That is why we are cooperating with the Red Cross in order to help people quickly,” said Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim.

The powerful earthquake hit Turkey on Sunday 23 October. The Turkish authorities and Turkey’s Red Crescent immediately launched a major rescue operation to help the severely affected population. More than 250 000 people are now homeless.

So far, 570 people are reported to have been killed, 2500 people have been injured and at least 2262 buildings have been destroyed. In addition to the main earthquake, Turkey has been hit by around 900 aftershocks.