First lot of relief material sent on H M the Sultan’s directives on Wednesday; quake death toll over 9,057 in Turkey, 2,802 in Syria

Muscat – As rescuers in Turkey and Syria battled cold in a race against time to find survivors under buildings flattened by an earthquake that killed more than 11,200 people, international aid has begun to arrive in both the countries. On Wednesday, Oman announced the establishment of an airbridge to supply relief material as well as search and rescue personnel to Turkey and Syria.

Assigned by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Royal Air Force of Oman and Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) sent the first lot of supplies to Syria and Turkey on Wednesday.

A statement issued by CDAA said, ‘In implementation of Royal Directives, Oman is operating an airbridge to transport relief and medical materials to the Syrian and Turkish regions affected by the earthquake. In addition, we are sending a unit from the National Search and Rescue Team of CDAA to southern Turkey to provide assistance.’

Meanwhile, Oman Charitable Organization (OCO) called on people in the sultanate to donate for the people of Syria and Turkey.

In a statement, OCO asked for donations to be sent by texting the message ‘Donate’ to Omantel on 90022 or Ooredoo on 90909.

Donations can also be made directly to banks for Syria through Bank Muscat (A/C No 0423010706280016) and National Bank of Oman (A/C No 1049337798006) and for Turkey through Bank Muscat (A/C No 0423010700010017) and Bank Dhofar (A/C No 01040609090001).

Dar al Atta’a launched a campaign – Pain and Hope – to donate to the people of Syria and Turkey through the apps Talabat and TM Done and Bank Muscat (A/C No 0315003966850059), or by sending a text message – ‘Donate 1’ – to Ooredoo on 90001.

The Embassy of Turkey in Muscat has opened a book for condolences and announced a relief campaign in aid of quake victims.

It stated aid materials should be delivered in a box with a list of contents at the embassy in Shatti al Qurum – Way No 3019, Building No 1622. ‘The list of materials needed in this context includes winter clothes, food boxes, baby formula, diapers, cleaning and hygiene products and women’s hygiene products.’