President Ramaphosa sends condolences to the people of Turkey and Syria – SABC News
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the government and people of South Africa at the massive loss of life and extent of injuries caused by the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria.
A powerful earthquake killed more than 2,600 people in Turkey and northwestern Syria on Monday, with frigid winter weather compounding the plight of many thousands left injured or homeless and hampering efforts to find survivors.
President @CyrilRamaphosa on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, expressed its deep sorrow at the massive loss of life and the extent of injury caused by an earthquake that affected the nations of Turkey and Syria. https://t.co/tt5XInkbDL pic.twitter.com/GTWS4GCVrT
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) February 6, 2023
“Our nation and government are deeply saddened by the unimaginable loss of life in Turkey and Syria, and the massive damage to social and economic infrastructure that both governments and populations are now facing.
“Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones or are searching for relatives, and we wish the injured survivors a full recovery,” Ramaphosa said.
The President also lamented the massive damage to social and economic infrastructure that the two governments and populations are now facing. He expressed his appreciation to the South African humanitarian aid organization Gift of the Givers, which is joining the international response in Turkey and Syria.
Another foundation is also sending aid to those affected. SABC News spoke to Ziyaad Patel – Trustee of the Al-Imdaad Foundation.
The UN is mobilizing emergency response
UN Secretary General António Guterres spoke about the escalating crisis in Turkey and northwestern Syria.
“I want to express my deep sadness for the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. My condolences to the families of the victims. The United Nations is mobilizing to support the emergency response and so let us work together in solidarity to help all those affected by this disaster, many of whom were already in dire need of humanitarian assistance. During my tenure as High Commissioner for Refugees, I went to work in this area several times and I will never forget the extraordinary display of generosity from the people of the area. It is time for all of us to show the same solidarity that I have witnessed in the region with refugees fleeing one of the most difficult conflicts of all time.”
