EU hosts fundraising meeting for Turkiye, Syria after quake

BRUSSELS: The European Union and its international partners gathered in Brussels Monday seeking to raise money for Turkiye and Syria in the aftermath of the earthquake that devastated parts of both countries last month.

The magnitude 7.8 earthquake on Feb. 6 killed more than 52,000 people — the vast majority in Turkiye. More than 200,000 buildings in Turkiye either collapsed or were severely damaged.

The International Rescue Committee, an aid group responding to humanitarian crises, said the situation in the region remains critical and urged donors to ensure that the U.N.'s appeal for Turkiye and Syria — calling for $1 billion and $397 million respectively — is fully funded.

“The people affected by this devastating earthquake are relying on donors meeting in Brussels to step up this week,” said Tanya Evans, the IRC's Country Director in Syria.

''They need to ensure that funding is available for life-saving items including food, shelter, warm clothes and clean water, as well as support to the already weak healthcare system including the provision of medicines and medical equipment. If they fail to do so, the most vulnerable will pay the price.”

Survivors of the earthquake in rebel-held northwest Syria have received very little assistance because of deep divisions exacerbated by the country's 12-year war. The EU said 15.3 million Syrians of a population of 21.3 million already required humanitarian assistance before the earthquake struck.

The bloc has been providing humanitarian aid to Syria since 2011 and wants to step it up. But the bloc does not intend to help with reconstruction in the war-torn country, with EU sanctions against the Syrian regime of President Bashar Assad in place due to its continued crackdown against civilians.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan won't travel to Brussels but will address the conference hosted by the European Commission and Sweden, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU. The one-day meeting will also be joined by NGOs, G-20 and U.N. members as well as international financial institutions.

In addition to humanitarian aid, Turkiye is also expected to be presented with a mix of grants and loans both to help with short-term needs and to allow the country to rebuild in the long run.