Merkez Antakya, Hatay – In the largest warehouse in the city situated on a 40-acre land in the central district, Hatay Provincial Authorities are diligently categorizing and packaging incoming aid materials.
Teams from the Hatay Governorate are sorting and packaging relief supplies, including water, food, hygiene products, clothing, and technological items, according to the specified needs of the listed beneficiaries. Subsequently, these prepared packages are efficiently delivered to the doorsteps of the identified recipients via designated vehicles.
Simultaneously, 26 markets, including one hypermarket set up within container cities, receive products dispatched from these warehouses.
In addition to materials procured through AFAD’s procurement methods, aid contributions from charitable non-governmental organizations and benevolent individuals are accumulated in these warehouses and then distributed to those in need.
Since the first day of the earthquake, a total of 2,744,659 food and hygiene packages have been distributed from these warehouses, with 4,460 trucks delivering water to earthquake victims. Moreover, cash assistance amounting to 170,895,250 Turkish Liras has been disbursed to 380,594 households benefiting from financial aid.
Governor Mustafa Masatlı, in an interview with AA news agency, emphasized the profound impact of the earthquakes on Hatay since February 6. He underscored the organized efforts to address the needs of those affected by the disaster, stating, “People registered with us, with a per capita income below 5,000 Turkish Liras, can benefit from these aid depots. However, we also provide assistance to citizens with incomes above 5,000 Liras, within the limits of our resources.”
Masatlı highlighted the systematic progression of aid distributions and the continuous operation of relief efforts, stating, “We work 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.”
Providing insight into the inventory of relief materials, Masatlı stated, “The Ministry of Family and Social Services periodically sends us funds, and additionally, due to being in the earthquake zone, extra allocations are provided. Public institutions, including the Turkish Grain Board (TMO), send us food. Furthermore, benevolent citizens send various items, such as food, hygiene materials, water, and technological equipment, either by truck or personally. Our team separates and shelves these items. Subsequently, our colleagues gather the needs of the citizens from these shelves and deliver them directly to container residences or homes. We are addressing all the needs of our citizens. There is no situation where the received materials are wasted or aid is not distributed. All of our team members are working tirelessly, 24 hours a day, to meet the various needs of our people.”
Governor Masatlı concluded by noting that Hatay remains a constant focus for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and efforts to reconstruct and revitalize the city in every aspect will persist to enhance the happiness of Hatay residents as swiftly as possible.
source: aa.com.tr / prepared by Melisa Beğiç