No Overseas Aid Donation To Earthquake Appeal Yet

Guernsey's Overseas Aid Commission says it will keep the situation under review and will meet again next week.

The Commission says it's saddened to hear of the high loss of life and injury in both south eastern Turkey and northern Syria and of the plight of those made homeless.

But it says it generally focuses its effort on around 50 countries:

'This list is based on countries’ respective positions on the United Nations’ Human Development Index, as well as the Corruptions Perceptions Index compiled by Transparency International.'

Turkey is a relatively prosperous country and ranks 48th out of 189 on the UN Human Development list while Syria, although very poor, is second to last on the Corruptions Perceptions Index.

'The Commission previously stated that it would be unlikely to be in a position to assist in this instance.

However, it said it would continue to monitor the situation, and would be willing to consider providing support if concerns about an inadequate response to the disaster are raised and confirmed, and the secure delivery of aid can be guaranteed.'

The Overseas Aid and Development Commission will meet on Wednesday (15 February) to assess whether it can provide support to those affected by the two giant earthquakes.

Jersey Overseas Aid has pledged £150,000 to The Red Cross and Crescent’s Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal. In addition, it has already given £200,000 to a pooled fund in collaboration with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and other government donors to specifically help humanitarian efforts in northern-Syria.

Meanwhile, Guernsey's Bailiff has set up a local disasters relief fund, and money donated will be sent to the Disasters Emergency Committee nationally.