Philotimo in action: Greece sends five planes of humanitarian aid to Turkey

·

In a true sign of philotimo in action despite historic differences, Greece has sent five planes with humanitarian aid to Turkey to support those injured or displaced by the deadly earthquake that struck large parts of south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria on Monday, February 6.

Through the European Civil Protection Mechanism, Greece is sending health and medical equipment as well as basic necessities, such as 7,500 blankets, 1,500 beds and 500 tents, which can accommodate families and be used as mobile clinics.

The first two of the five Aegean Airlines flights carrying the humanitarian aid arrived at the Turkish airport of Adana early on Thursday.

Greece’s Civil Protection Minister Christos Stylianides escorted the flights and then returned to Greece to oversee the dispatch of the remaining three.

“I am here as the minister of climate change and civil protection with my team, first of all, to show solidarity to the Turkish people,” Ms Stylianides told Anadolu during his visit.

“We are here with a lot of basic material for civil protection and a lot of medical equipment… in order to relieve a little bit the pain of Turkish people.”

Two more aircraft carrying humanitarian aid from Greece are expected to arrive at Adana Airport during the day, while the fifth and last plane on Friday.

So far, Greece has also sent two search and rescue teams to Turkey as a part of rescue operations.

Greek rescuers have freed a 6-year-old girl from the rubble of her home in the city of Iskenderun on Tuesday, whilst on Wednesday, they also pulled out a surviving 15-year-old boy from the rubble, and another young woman after a six hour effort. 

The magnitude 7.8 and 7.6 earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria on Monday were felt by 13 million people across 10 provinces, including Adana, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye and Sanliurfa.

According to the latest official figures on Thursday, more than 19,300 people were killed and 70,347 others injured during the earthquakes.

READ MORE: Turkey backtracks to accept Cyprus’ offer of help in post-earthquake efforts.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Mark Coure MP extends Oxi Day message to Greek and Cypriot communities

NSW Shadow Minister Mark Coure MP honours Oxi Day, praising the Greek and Cypriot communities for their courage and contribution to NSW.

Oakleigh Grammar farewells the Class of 2025 with Graduation Dinner

Oakleigh Grammar’s Class of 2025 gathered for a night of celebration, reflection, and recognition at their Year 12 Graduation Dinner.

Saint Dimitrios Parish in Moonee Ponds marks 50 years with joyful festival

The annual Saint Demetrios Parish Festival in Moonee Ponds brought together parishioners, dignitaries, and performers on Sunday, October 26.

Burwood RSL donates $14,000 to support St Nectarios’ Cottage Kitchen

St Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in Burwood has received a $14,000 ClubGrant from Burwood RSL to continue vital community work.

Greek Australian nurse Helen Zahos recognised for 25 years of humanitarian work

The NT’s Greek community is celebrating humanitarian nurse and paramedic Helen Zahos, recognised for her service to global health.

You May Also Like

Church leaders visit Gaza after deadly strike on Christian site

Catholic and Greek Orthodox leaders made a rare visit to Gaza, following a deadly Israeli tank shell strike on the Holy Family Church.

‘Into the Moonlit Village’ echoes of Battle of Crete and Minoan myth

The story behind ‘Into the Moonlit Village’ is as captivating as the work itself. We found out more to mark the Battle of Crete.

OXI Day message by Ambassador of Greece to Australia George Papacostas

Αγαπητοί συμπατριώτες, Στις 28 Οκτωβρίου 1940, η Ελλάδα εί των Δυνάμεων του Άξονα, παρά το γεγονός της συντριπτικήςυπεροχής τους σε στρατιωτικό και σε επίπεδο υλικοτεχνικού...