An earthquake of 7.8-magnitude devastated Turkey and upturned the lives of millions. The UN relief chief has predicted that the death toll will “double or more”, as search and rescue efforts continue among the ruins of cities, towns and villages.
A number of countries have rushed to help the two nations with aid and assistance. However, what has come as a surprise, is an African country Sudan has also stood by Turkey in these times of despair and is sending aid to the country.
Sudan helps Turkey
Sudan has sent a 40-member search and rescue team to Turkey to support disaster relief efforts after devastating earthquakes left thousands dead. As rescue and search operations continue the death toll is only expected to rise. According to the World Health Organisation, almost 26 million people have been affected by the earthquake, launching an urgent appeal for $42.8 million to cope with immediate health needs in the two countries.
Further, over 32,000 people from Turkish organisations are working on search-and-rescue efforts while 8,294 international rescuers are helping with the effort, as per Turkey’s disaster agency.
In such a catastrophic situation, Sudan is sending the team carrying 1000 blankets, 250 tents, and food materials as well as a large number of search and rescue equipment will support search and rescue activities under the guidance of the authorities in Turkey. Considering that Sudan itself is having its own economic hardships to face with an acute food crisis looming and there is an increased risk of recession, such a goodwill gesture for a country dealing with a calamity has to be appreciated.
Sudan and Turkey have shared close relationships. The gold-rich African country has long-standing strategic partnership with Turkey that has endured despite regime change. Now, as Turkey faces one of the worst natural disasters, Sudan’s commitment to help Turkey, despite its own limitations, to get back on its feet is indeed praiseworthy.
