Prime Minister Ünal Üstel referred to the February 6 earthquake disaster in Türkiye that affected 7 provinces. Üstel said that 945 Turkish Cypriot citizens were also affected and 49 died during the disaster, “We will never let the criminals get away with it” he said.
Üstel held a press conference with party leaders within the government at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Uğur Umar Conference Hall. Üstel informed the public on the process carried out on the earthquake disaster and efforts taken in the event of a possible earthquake in North Cyprus.
Stating that 42 Turkish Cypriot citizens died in hotels and 7 in residential buildings due to the February 6th earthquake that shook Türkiye, Üstel reassured the public that criminal investigations were launched and debris was taken from the hotel wreckages in question.
Prime Minister Üstel said that 142 industrial, search and rescue vehicles and 124 vehicle operators were sent from North Cyprus to Türkiye following the earthquake disaster. He added that 92 trucks loaded with approximately 78 thousand boxes of human aid, collected and packed by 2 thousand volunteers, were delivered to those in need by the Disaster and Emergency Aid Committee.
Also referring to the fundraising efforts, Üstel said that 13.2 million TL was donated from North Cyprus as part of aid efforts. He also added that according to official figures, approximately 1,500 earthquake victims arrived from the earthquake-stricken areas to North Cyprus.
Reminding that at least 2 million people were left homeless in Türkiye due to the earthquakes, the Premier said that as the public of North Cyprus, ‘we could not turn a blind eye’. Projects are being carried out by the Cyprus-Turkish Solidarity Platform for 1,000 container homes being constructed, he said.
Referring to efforts carried out for a possible earthquake in North Cyprus, Prime Minister Üstel noted that earthquake resistance tests at public buildings had begun.
“We are continuing our efforts swiftly to ensure the safety of the public against any possible natural disasters,” said Üstel and thanked the government, opposition parties, all institutions and organizations, non-governmental organizations, municipalities, and all those who contributed in efforts for the process to be directed accurately.
