Baku, October 30 (AZERTAC). Estonia`s Foreign Ministry is donating 100 000 euros to support the Turkish Red Crescent organisation in helping victims of the earthquake and dealing with the aftermath of the natural disaster. The sum was allocated from the Foreign Ministry`s budget for humanitarian aid. Over 500 people have died and over 1600 injured as a result of the powerful earthquake that struck the eastern part of Turkey on 23 October.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that Estonia is responding to the appeal for aid made by the Turkish government yesterday in order to support the rescue efforts that include finding shelter for victims, preventing the spread of disease, and providing victims with food. “Nearly 600 000 people are in need of shelter and thousands of building have been destroyed or damaged,” said Paet. “In addition there are aftershocks in the region and temperatures drop below freezing, which make the situation even more complicated. The potential spread of diseases is also a problem,” he added.

On 23 October a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the eastern part of Turkey. The epicentre was close to the city of Van. The earthquake was followed by many strong aftershocks. The cities of Van and Ercis have been the most severely affected. The search for people among the rubble of collapsed buildings is reaching the final phase.

On 26 October the Turkish government made an appeal for help to the international community. Currently the Turkish government has accepted aid from 30 countries.