ANKARA

Türkiye has dispatched its initial aircraft to deliver assistance to earthquake-stricken Afghanistan, becoming the first nation to offer aid at a critical time.

“The first plane took off this morning. The second plane will also take off tomorrow. The first international aid that arrived there was directed and sent by Türkiye,” said Okay Memis, head of the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), on Monday.

The aircraft carried relief items, including 200 tents, 500 blankets, and medical supplies, which have reached Herat city, according to Memis.

On Saturday, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake rattled the Zinda Jan and Ghorian districts of Herat province, home to 1.9 million people. The disaster resulted in the tragic loss of about 2,500 lives and left thousands injured.

Addressing the flood disaster in Libya, Memis stated that Türkiye was the first country to arrive in Libya to aid the victims.

Memis noted that under the coordination of AFAD, 657 personnel, 82 vehicles, and six emergency response vehicles were dispatched to Libya. A significant portion of the teams is actively involved in providing humanitarian assistance in the region.

Eastern Libya was ravaged by deadly floods caused by Mediterranean storm Daniel on Sept. 10, killing more than 4,300 people and leaving behind a massive trail of destruction, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Derna was hardest hit by the floods, causing the city's dams to burst, washing away homes and people.

Emphasizing the heightened organizational capability of Türkiye, Memis said: "Whether in all 81 provinces in Türkiye or anywhere in the world, whenever there is a disaster, Türkiye is there with all its resources, and we begin to heal the wounds there."

*Writing by Seda Sevencan