Qatar provides QR253 million as urgent aid to Turkey, Syria

Feb 17, 2023

Qatar was one of the first countries to rush to the aid of Turkey and Syria after the two nations suffered major earthquakes which left thousands of people dead and even more displaced.

So far, Qatar’s humanitarian aid to the earthquake victims amounts to around QR253 million including food, medical and other aid, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Majed Mohammed Al Ansari, who is also an advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs @majedalansari : QR 253 Million Qatar’s Humanitarian Aid for the Earthquake Victims

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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) February 16, 2023

Speaking during MoFA’s weekly media briefing at its headquarters, he said Qatar sent QR85 million during the first 10 days of the disaster. The urgent relief campaign ‘Aoun Wa Sanad,’ launched by the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities, collected QR168 million in one night, including a QR50 million donation by HH The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

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He said the number of air bridge flights has so far reached 30, carrying more than 600 tonnes of food, medical and humanitarian aid.

A total of 650 ready-made mobile homes, out of a planned 10,000 units, have been transported and delivered to Turkish ports.

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The Qatar Fund for Development has also provided support to the operations of the Syrian Civil Defense (the White Helmets), in order to rescue and provide relief to victims of the earthquake.

Al Ansari pointed out that while there were logistical difficulties in reaching some parts of northern Syria, Qatar had tried its best to support rescue efforts and alleviate the suffering of those affected.

The Qatar Red Crescent Society has also been doing a lot for the victims of the quake, allocating an initial amount of $1 million towards rescue operations.

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It also launched a non-monetary donation drive, imploring people to donate things like winter clothes, pillows, detergents, powerbanks, toys and hot water thermos.