Bahrain rallies to help as quake toll passes 21,000

TDT | Manama                                          

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Julia Cassano

Thousands of people from all over Bahrain, both residents and citizens, banded together yesterday to help the people devastated by the massive earthquake that claimed over 21,000 lives and trapped an unknown number of people beneath the rubble in Turkey and war-ravaged Syria.

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Monday as people slept, flattening thousands of structures and potentially impacting millions. As the death toll continues to rise and approaches the more than 17,000 killed in a similar disaster in Turkey in 1999, rescuers said in a grim warning that hopes for many people being found alive among the ruins of cities had faded.

Meanwhile, understanding the gravity of the situation and in solidarity with the quake victims, people from all walks of life flocked to a collection point with essential and critical supplies, responding to a donation drive launched by the Turkish Embassy. HE Esin Cakil, Turkish Ambassador to Bahrain, told The Daily Tribune that she has her deepest gratitude for all those who have displayed sincere support and condolences.

“We have received an immense number of heartfelt messages and donations from all over the country, for which we are very grateful. “We are passing through a difficult time, and we are thankful for the solidarity shown by everyone.

"On behalf of myself and the people of Turkey, we would like to extend our thanks to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Bahraini authorities, volunteers, and all the people residing in the Kingdom who have donated to the campaign.” The Embassy, Cakil said, accepts coats, raincoats, boots, sweaters, gloves, scarves, undergarments, socks, and beanies to help people overcomeharsh, freezing conditions.

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Esin Cakil, Turkish Ambassador to Bahrain said that the availability of “diapers, canned foods, baby formula, and hygiene products are crucial.”

She said the embassy also needs tents, mattresses, blankets, sleeping bags, gas stoves, gas heaters, thermos bottles, flashlights, power banks, and generators. Cakil requested not to send any used items (such as used clothes) as they violate health regulations.

The embassy hasn’t set any deadline for receiving donations and hopes to ship the first package today. Cakil said the embassy plans daily shipments to affected areas in Turkey. Volunteers at the embassy made a call to donate winter clothes and canned food.

“We are here at the Turkish Embassy to help our brothers and sisters who had lost their homes and possessions in the disaster.” Fatima Al Mansoori, assisting the Turkish embassy on behalf of the Middle East Hospital and Medical Centre, said: “We are ready with a team of doctors and medical aid and hope to work out a way to be on the ground to support the people of Turkey.

“It is essential to rally together to support the victims of this tragedy. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa was one of the first leaders to call for a national campaign to provide relief for the victims and create an impact.