Turkey appeals for foreign aid

Turkey has renewed its appeal for foreign aid following the minor earthquake that killed at least 22 people in Van days after the southeastern city was hit by a quake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, the Anatolia news agency reported Friday.

The toppling of nearly two dozen buildings in Van as a result of the 5.6-magnitude quake increased fear among locals that their houses could also be toppled, which kept them outside in harsh winter conditions. With growing demand for shelter from the government, the Foreign Ministry decided to renew its appeal for more tents and houses from countries that wish to help.

Turkey’s appeal was made upon the instruction of Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu to the countries that expressed their intention to assist Turkey.

Turkey’s appeal also reached Israel, which sent prefabricated houses to Turkey right after the first earthquake. Israel will likely send the second round of its assistance by sea, the Anatolia news agency reported.

Turkey had refused foreign assistance in the immediate aftermath of the Oct. 23 earthquake but later announced its willingness to accept aid. Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç explained the reason for refusing foreign assistance was that Turkey could handle the results of the earthquake and did not want to create chaos in the earthquake zone.