Red Cross Aids Victims of Turkish Earthquake

Mirror Staff

   The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement have rushed technical expertise, disaster relief supplies and financial assistance to Turkey in response to the devastating earthquake which struck that country last week. 
   The American Red Cross immediately dispatched four members of the International Emergency Response Unit to assist the Turkish Red Crescent Society in their relief efforts. It also made an initial commitment of $25,000 to the Red Crescent Society and $25,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and will provide an in-kind donation of 25,000 high protein biscuits and 25,000 “comfort kits” to aid earthquake victims. In addition, the American Red Cross is working with the Red Crescent Society to assist with Family Link needs, setting up communications in Turkey between family members separated by the earthquake. 
   According to the latest count, the death count is expected to reach into the tens of thousands, with many more thousands injured and missing and now the fear of an outbreak of disease is mounting. 
   A United Nations official said the final death toll could reach 45,000. 
Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit described the 7.8 earthquake as “one of the worst (disasters) in human history and the heaviest in Turkish history.” The Turkish government has been heavily criticized by its citizens for its failure to respond quickly and effectively to the disaster. as well as the poorly buildings which were destroyed by the big quake. 
   There have been hundreds of aftershocks since the quake and thousands of Turkish citizens are living in the streets, because their homes were destroyed in the quake or they fear the buildings left standing after the quake will collapse during the aftershocks. Food and water are still in short supply.
   People who wish to contribute to the American Red Cross relief efforts in Turkey are encouraged to make cash donations, as it is the most quickest and most effective means of providing aid. They may call 1800 HELP NOW or send a check to the American Red Cross of Santa Monica, P.O. Box 1008, Santa Monica 90406-1008, specifying that the donation is to be used for the Turkish relief effort.