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

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Greek Consul General honoured at Hellenic Club farewell event in Sydney

Sydney’s Greek community came together on Thursday for a dignified farewell dinner in honour of Greece’s Consul General, Ioannis Mallikourtis

Greek Australian politicians on why SA Parliament has the worst female MP representation in Australia

A report by the South Australian Electoral Commission found that SA’s Parliament has the worst female representation in Australia.

Women’s justice champ unveils the untold story of WWII ANZACs from Brunswick to Greece

Phil Cleary's latest project, “Gladys and the Brunswick Boys,” delves into the experiences of World War II ANZACs who fought in Greece.