The Welsh government has pledged £300,000 in financial support to people affected by the devastating earthquakes in southern Turkey and northwest Syria, which have caused deaths and destroyed buildings. The money will go towards emergency relief to help people affected by the disaster survive and stay safe.

Welsh firefighters were part of the team that helped rescue the survivors and the Welsh government’s donation forms part of its international strategy to help Wales become a ‘globally responsible nation’. The first 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the area on Monday, killing tens of thousands of people.

The Welsh government says around 16,000 people have died since the first earthquake on Monday, with Sky News reporting the total has risen to over 20,000. The Turkish government says another 380,000 have sought refuge in state-run hostels and hotels.

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Speaking alongside the Emergency Committee and members of charities, Social Justice Minister Jane Hutt said: “This is a very sad and devastating event and my condolences go out to those who have lost loved ones. those affected and affected Turks and Syrians in Wales await news with trepidation.

“I am grateful to the people of Wales who are already offering all the support they can. The scale of the devastation is immense and I would like to thank the brave search and rescue teams who continue to search for survivors in the rubble, including firefighters from West and Central Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Wales Fire and Rescue Service. who are part of a team of 77 international UK search and rescue specialists who provide specialist skills and equipment to help find and rescue survivors.

“Our international strategy sets out our ambition to establish Wales as a globally responsible nation. As the humanitarian need is only expected to grow in Turkey and Syria, this financial support will focus on providing the urgent help people need to survive.”

DEC Charities works with local partners to improve access to food, clean water, treatment and shelter immediately after an incident. The money will also help with long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction.

DEC Cymru’s external relations manager, Cian Stephen, added: “In Turkey alone, 6,000 buildings were destroyed, including schools and health centres, and infrastructure vital to daily life, such as sewage and water supplies, was severely damaged. . Of course, we know that many people don’t have money. people here in the UK as the cost of living crisis continues, but if you are able, please donate to help those affected by this deadly disaster.”

You can donate to the Emergency Committee online by calling 03706060610, texting HELPU to 70787 (this is a £10 donation), at a bank or post office box or sending a check to DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal , PO Box 999, London EC3A 3AA.

Source: Wales Online