At the launch of a fundraising campaign in Hanoi on February 23. Photo: VNA

The Central Committee of the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRCS) has received nearly VND 10 billion (USD 434,000) donated by Red Cross workers, organisations and businesses in support of Turkish and Syrian people following the devastating earthquake, according to VNA.

In response to the appeal of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and with the approval of the Prime Minister, the VRCS issued a call for support for those affected by the earthquake disaster in the two countries, which has been widely covered by the press and on social media, conveying a message of solidarity and support for the people of Turkey and Syria, demonstrating a sense of solidarity, responsibility, and humanitarianism of the Vietnamese Government, people and the VRCS, President of the VRCS Central Committee Bui Thi Hoa said.

She vowed that all proceeds will be sent to the right addresses in a transparent and timely manner, in line with the law.

Hoa took the occasion to urge VRCS chapters nationwide, agencies, businesses, religious organisations, and individuals to join hands to help Turkish and Syrian people overcome difficulties and return to normal life.

Counsellor at the Turkish Embassy in Vietnam Gulay Kosem Rignault thanked the Vietnamese Government, people and VRCS for providing invaluable and timely support for Turkey.

Donations for the people of Turkey and Syria can be sent to the VRCS Central Committee at 82 Nguyen Du, Hanoi, or its representative office in the South at 201 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Donors can also send their contributions to the VRCS Central Committee's bank accounts at the Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam, No.124 02 02 005 348 (for donations in VND), No. 124 02 02 018198 (for donations in USD).

The time to receive voluntary contributions will last through May 30.

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake, which occurred on February 6 in the southeast of Turkey and northeast of Syria, claimed the lives of over 46,000 people, leaving thousands of buildings collapse completely, and destroying infrastructure system. This is one of the most horrific disasters in the history of the past century.

The Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) sent a 76-member team to Turkey, who were assigned to work in Hatay province, one of the localities hardest hit by the quake. During the deployment period from February 13-22, the VPA team performed search procedures in 31 locations and located 15 points with victims, including two with signs of survivors. As a result, 28 bodies of victims had been brought out of the debris.

At the same time, the team coordinated with their peers from Bahrain and Mexico to discover three locations in which 10 victims were buried, while helping three households to find stable shelters. Military doctors of the team provided medical checks and treatment to seven patients from the rescue team of other countries and one local person.

They also presented nearly 25 tonnes of goods, including military rations, rice, milk, medical equipment, and many other necessities to earthquake victims.

The VPA team’s activities were appreciated by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, and leaders of Hatay province and relevant agencies in the host country.

Turkish Ambassador Haldun Tekneci expressed his gratitude for Vietnam – one of the first countries sending their rescuers to his country after the devastating disaster.

This noble action reflects Vietnam's commitment to carrying out its global humanitarian mission, and also shows the very good relationship that Turkey and Vietnam have pursued for many years, he stressed.

The Vietnamese Association in Poland presents the donations of 2,500 EUR to Syrian Ambassador. Photo: TG&VN

Meanwhile, representatives of the Overseas Vietnamese Association and the Vietnamese Embassy in Poland on February 21 presented a donation of EUR 2,500 to the Syrian Ambassador to the country to support earthquake victims in Syria.

The Syrian Ambassador to Poland warmly welcomed the delegation and received gifts from the Vietnamese community given by Le Van Mung, representative of the Vietnamese Association in Poland.

The diplomat was very touched and sincerely thanked the Vietnamese community in Poland for their interest in supporting earthquake victims in Syria.

To support victims, the Vietnamese Association in Poland held an emergency meeting to discuss the organization of the donation to support victims in the earthquake –hit area and launched the donation on February 9.

In the near future, the Vietnamese Association in Poland will also present donations to support earthquake victims in Turkey.

Vietnam Assists Emergency Earthquake Response Efforts in Turkey, Syria Vietnam will provide emergency aids to Syria and Turkey and will have more necessary support measures in the near future.

Vietnam Joins Int'l Community to Addresss Consequences of Turkey-Syria Earthquakes Vietnamese ambassador attends commemoration of earthquake victims in New York, USA.

Ambassador: Turkey Believes in Strong Development in Bilateral Relations with Vietnam The determination and enthusiasm of Vietnam’s two rescue teams providing earthquake relief in Turkey have left a deep impression on local people.