Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Namibia, Feral Çekerek Oruçkaptan is appealing to the Namibian people and institutions for donations following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked southeast Turkey near the Syrian border last week. 

Oruçkaptan told New Era yesterday that although the embassy is grateful for the solidarity shown through messages of condolences from the country, particularly President Hage Geingob and the international relations minister, the country is in dire need of specific urgent donations for the victims.

The ambassador said the urgently needed items are winter tents, gas heaters, portable toilets, sleeping bags and generators.

She explained that items such as blankets, clothing or food are no longer accepted at this stage, however, monetary donations are still accepted as the embassy has opened an emergency bank account.

“We are grateful for the initial response of the Namibian officials, local NGOs and  Namibian friends for the solidarity messages. The international community has also responded vigilantly and speedily. However, due to the extreme winter condition in the country, we need winter tents to save lives,” she explained.

 She added that although the heartbreaking and tragic situation is ongoing, she appealed that Namibians assist with the urgent items mentioned.

The diplomat indicated hundreds of thousands of children and their families are homeless in the wake of the earthquake. 

“Snow and bitter winter weather have placed children at great risk of hypothermia, as they struggle to survive in sub-zero temperatures. Many survivors have had to sleep in cars, outside, or in makeshift shelters, hence there is a need for tents, gas heaters and so on.” 

She said more than 13 million citizens of the country are impacted, of which 36 800 lost their lives while 10 8000 were injured.  Rescue and recovery operations continue.

- ljason@nepc.com.na