We must keep working to get life-saving aid to those in despair

IN THE past seven days, we have all seen moments of incredible humanity and unimaginable tragedy unfolding in Turkey and Syria. We have watched as children are pulled alive from pancaked apartment buildings, and families wait anxiously in the rubble of their homes for signs of life – and millions of Brits have been moved to help.

The moment this awful crisis struck, the UK kicked into action to respond.

The UK’S International Search and Rescue team – made up of 77 experts, four dogs and equipment – went at the start of last week and continues to work round the clock on life-saving search and rescue operations from its base in Hatay.

Within hours of arriving, UK experts located a 60-year-old woman buried under the rubble for several days without food and water. And the work goes on.

The situation is developing rapidly, and those affected are contending with freezing and often lifethreatening conditions.

The UK has been preparing relief supplies for onward transport and will continue to do so in the coming days.

Blankets, tents and hygiene kits are on their way to Turkey and Syria, a Ministry of Defence team has also deployed to assess options for UK military support.

In north-west Syria, where the situation is more complex following years of conflict and an infrastructure ravaged by Russian and regime bombing, the White Helmets – funded by UK aid – have mobilised a significant search and rescue effort.

Over 2,500 White Helmets volunteers are involved in the response across some 40 communities in northern Syria, and our UK funding will support recovery projects including assessing building safety, reopening roads and reconnecting utilities.

We’re listening intently to the needs of the people of Turkey and Syria and, having met personally with a group of aid agency representatives at a roundtable last week, it is clear to me just how important this assistance is on the ground.

Our priority now is to ensure life-saving assistance continues to reach those most in need, working with the UN and other dedicated charities. This is a complex and constantly evolving operation.

I’m also delighted to confirm that, with thanks to the generosity and compassion of the British people, the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Turkey-syria Earthquake Appeal has reached extraordinary sums within a matter of days, which includes £5million of match funding from UK aid.

That support will save lives in the most desperate conditions, and it would not have been possible without the kindness and support of the British people.

So from me, a personal thank you.

‘UK experts located a 60-year-old woman buried under the rubble’