A 7.8 magnitude earthquake caused catastrophic damage on 6 February across Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus, Greece, Jordan and Palestine, with Turkey's government describing the disaster as the deadliest tragedy to hit Turkey since 1939. Thus far, the earthquake's devastation has claimed over 4,000 lives, with countless more people unaccounted for due to the incident occurring early Monday morning while most were sleeping.
I extend my sincere condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in today’s devastating earthquake. The UAE stands in solidarity with the Turkish and Syrian people, and we pray that God grants a speedy recovery to those who have been injured.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, has established a field hospital in Turkey, sent emergency supplies and aid to the hardest-hit areas of Syria, and has dispatched search-and-rescue teams across Syria and Turkey in an effort to quickly retrieve those that have yet to be located. In addition, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has sent Dhs50 million worth of humanitarian aid to Syria, delivering rations through The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives.
