US Secretary of State visits earthquake stricken Türkiye

Blinken arrived at Incirlik Air Base in Adana province on Sunday, where he was welcomed by his Turkish counterpart Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu.

Two top diplomats took a helicopter tour of some of the earthquake-stricken region in southern Türkiye.

“Deeply saddened but also inspired by the dedication of first responders, brave Turkish citizens, humanitarian workers, and the commitment of the United States and so many others to help the people of Türkiye in this time of need,” Blinken wrote on Twitter.

Blinken announced an additional $100 million in assistance in response to the devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria. 

“President Biden intends to authorize $50 million in Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Funds (ERMA).  In addition to the ERMA funds, the United States is also providing an additional $50 million in humanitarian assistance through the State Department and USAID. This will bring the total U.S. humanitarian assistance to support the earthquake response to $185 million,” the State Department said in a statement.

“This humanitarian assistance will target vulnerable earthquake-affected populations in Türkiye and Syria and be available to support international and nongovernmental organizations providing assistance. This announcement will benefit the procurement and distribution of core relief and lifesaving items such as blankets, mattresses, food packs, warm clothing, tents, and shelter materials. It will additionally support medicine and health services, clean water and sanitation efforts, and programs supporting the education of children and youth impacted by this tragic earthquake,” the department noted.

The department emphasized that the United States would continue working with the international community to provide lifesaving aid to earthquake-affected areas. (ILKHA)