Rabia Iclal Turan
October 30, 2020•Update: October 31, 2020
ANKARA/ GENEVA/ BEIRUT
The EU, NATO, the World Health Organization and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Friday offered assistance to Turkey and Greece as a magnitude 6.6 earthquake shook the Aegean region.
“Closely following the developments of the strong earthquake that hit the Aegean Sea off Greece and Turkey,” European Council President Charles Michel wrote on Twitter.
“My thoughts are with all the people affected.”
Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, also took to Twitter to show support.
“We are following the situation and we stand ready to help, in all possible ways,” she wrote.
Also, NATO’s secretary-general said the alliance stands ready to help “its allies Greece and Turkey.”
“I am deeply saddened by the reports from the earthquake in the #Aegean. My thoughts go to all those affected,” Jens Stoltenberg said on Twitter.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), said the world health body is in close watch of the developments happening in Turkey and Greece after the earthquake.
In a videoconference, Tedros said they will be working with the two countries to ensure that emergency medical care is provided to those in need.
He also wished a fast recovery to those effected by the earthquake.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also extended condolences over loss of lives and wished a speedy recovery to all those affected by the earthquake.
At least 17 people were killed and 709 others injured when a magnitude 6.6 earthquake jolted the city of Izmir on the Turkish Aegean on Friday.
Two children were also reported dead on the Greek island of Samos.
* Zehra Nur Duz contributed to this report from Ankara.
