A TEAM of 36 individuals from Bahrain including medics will travel to TÜrkiye and Syria to join rescue efforts following the earthquakes that killed more than 12,000 people in both countries.
The Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF), which is leading the operation, will also send two plane-loads of aid to help those affected by the disaster.
The delegation is expected to travel on Monday.
It follows directives issued by His Majesty King Hamad earlier this week to support quake-hit families and individuals, under the leadership of his representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
“We formed a national support committee that held its first meeting yesterday to discuss local donations drive and help ongoing rescue efforts in Türkiye and Syria,” RHF secretary general Dr Mustafa Al Sayed told the GDN.
Relief
“It was decided that Bahrain will soon send two plane-loads of relief that includes drugs, medical equipment and other essential items to help families.
“A team of 36 individuals will also fly out soon to join search and rescue efforts.”
Dr Al Sayed explained the team includes specialised medics to help the injured.
“There will be medical teams who will help treat trauma wounds and work closely with specialists from around the world,” he added.
Dr Al Sayed was backed by Health Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Waleed Al Manea, who said that medicines and devices have been selected based on requirements in the two nations and according to international standards.
The 7.8 magnitude quake on Monday, followed hours later by a second one almost as powerful, destroyed thousands of homes, leaving people homeless in close to freezing temperatures. Scores more are thought to be still trapped under the collapsed buildings.
Dr Al Sayed said aid cargo will reach the quake-hit Turkish city Gaziantep, and that relief materials will also be sent to the Syrian border.
The situation in Syria is complex due to the civil war since 2011 between opposition forces and the Syrian government led by President Bashar Al Assad. Syrian officials insist aid must go through its capital Damascus and claim the West is providing assistance to support insurgents in areas outside their control.
“We, at the RHF, have a successful track record of aid operations, including setting up two schools and two clinics in Gaza. We have also participated in other emergencies abroad,” Dr Al Sayed said.
The RHF, formerly known as the Royal Charity Organisation, had collected 40 tonnes of food and medical aid for survivors of the devastating earthquake in Nepal in 2015 that affected more than a quarter of its population and killed more than 8,900 people.
“We have stepped up efforts following the royal directives, as every minute counts and have launched a donation drive encouraging the private sector and individuals in Bahrain to contribute,” he added.
Dr Al Sayed further thanked the Social Development Ministry for issuing permissions to registered local charities to organise fundraisers to help people in Türkiye and Syria.
People can donate to the RHF campaign via its BenefitPay (38800199), Al Salam Bank account, IBAN- BH33ALSA00002120100101 or pay via Sadad kiosks.
The RHF will also launch a national campaign on Bahrain Television as part of the fundraiser.
The Turkish Embassy in Bahrain is collecting essential supplies at its premises in Bu Ashira from 9am to 4pm. The aid material must be unused and suitable for winter conditions, like clothing for adults and children, canned food, baby formula, diapers and hygiene products.
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