Gulf countries rush earthquake aid to Turkey, Syria

Salim A. Essaid

This aerial view shows residents helped by bulldozers, searching for victims and survivors in the rubble of collapsed buildings, following an earthquake in the town of Sarmada in the countryside of the northwestern Syrian Idlib province, early on February 6, 2023. Over 1,500 people have been killed in the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria. (Photo by MUHAMMAD HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images) — This aerial view shows residents helped by bulldozers searching for victims and survivors in the rubble of collapsed buildings, following an earthquake in the town of Sarmada in the northwestern Syrian Idlib province early on Feb. 6, 2023. — MUHAMMAD HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images

Some Gulf countries have sent rescue teams and urgently needed aid to Turkey and Syria after two massive earthquakes devastated the region within a 12-hour period, killing thousands.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Jordan announced that they will send aid and rescue teams to both affected countries, where winter temperatures are dropping.

The Turkish Presidency announced on Monday that Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman held a call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The UAE’s government news agency said that President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will dispatch search and rescue teams and establish field hospitals in Turkey, while sending urgent relief supplies and aid to the hardest-hit areas of Syria.

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Gulf countries rush earthquake aid to Turkey, Syria

Countries in the Gulf have announced aid for Turkey and Syria after Monday's devastating earthquakes.

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