February 7, 2023
No. 038
Türkiye was struck by a powerful earthquake on February 6, causing heavy casualties and devastation. In the belief that disaster relief transcends borders and in the spirit of solidarity, the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) immediately extended assistance through humanitarian relief and rescue operations. The following is an overview of relief efforts thus far:
- Announcing relief donations to assist the Turkish government in resettling people in affected areas: The Taiwan government announced a donation of US$200,000 to Türkiye on the day of the earthquake. The next day, as the number of casualties increased and the magnitude of disaster continued to expand, it announced that the donation would be increased to US$2 million. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Mission in Ankara (TECM) is currently engaged with the Turkish government in planning the appropriate use of these disaster funds to assist survivors through these difficult times.
- Dispatching a search and rescue team in two phases to participate in international relief efforts in Türkiye: On the evening of February 6, the Taiwan government sent an advance international search and rescue team comprising 40 members and three dogs with 6.6 tons of equipment on a Turkish Airlines flight arranged by the Turkish government. The next day, an additional 90 members and two dogs set out with more than six tons of equipment and life detectors on an EVA Airways direct charter flight to Türkiye. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and Taiwan’s overseas missions arranged for the speedy issuance of overflight permits by related countries for the charter flight. They also coordinated assistance from Türkiye for logistical support for Taiwan’s rescue search and team members after their arrival in Türkiye. After their safe arrival, Taiwan’s 130-member mission was assigned by Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority to Adiyaman, where they are now engaged in rescue operations in devastated areas. The team rescued a Turkish citizen on February 8. About 170 teams from Türkiye and 18 other countries are participating in rescue efforts. As one of the first international teams to respond and one of the largest contingents, the Taiwanese team has received widespread and positive coverage in international and Turkish media.
- Opening Ministry of Health and Welfare Disaster Relief Accounts: MOFA, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, opened accounts on February 7 to accept donations from nationals concerned about the disaster. Donations will be accepted over the four-week period ending March 6. MOFA will discuss with Türkiye how the funds will be employed and will update the public at appropriate times.
- Assisting the Turkish Trade Office in Taipei (TTO) with collecting in-kind donations: Soon after the earthquake, MOFA shared its experience in launching in-kind donation drives with Türkiye. The TTO has begun collecting material supplies based on Türkiye’s needs. MOFA is assisting the TTO in assessing and planning other convenient ways to collect in-kind donations. Any concrete efforts in this regard will be announced by the TTO.
The current priority of Taiwan government’s relief and rescue efforts is to coordinate with the Turkish government’s overall rescue plan. MOFA, TTO, TECM, and the Turkish government are maintaining close interactions and coordination to ensure that the most appropriate assistance is provided to meet urgent needs in Türkiye’s affected areas.
The Taiwan government is equally concerned about the devastation caused by the earthquake in Syria. Assisting in relief efforts is the Taiwan-Reyhanli Centre for World Citizens, which was built in 2018 by MOFA in cooperation with the Reyhanli city government to shelter Syrian war refugees fleeing to Türkiye. Considering the absence of interactions between Taiwan and the Syrian government, MOFA has instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Jordan, which also has responsibility for Syria, to explore through local avenues feasible ways to help affected people in Syria. Taiwan’s aid to Türkiye will also be extended to Syrian refugees at Türkiye’s border.
MOFA once again urges nationals living in or visiting Türkiye or Syria to remain vigilant, ensure their personal safety, and be mindful that aftershocks could occur at any time. Nationals in need of emergency assistance can call any of the following emergency hotlines: TECM at +90-532-322-7162, TECO at +962-79-555-2605, and MOFA at 0800-085-095. (E)