Ecuadorians collect tons of aid materials for earthquake victims in Türkiye

By Sinan Dogan

BOGOTA (AA) - Tons of aid materials were collected in Ecuador for earthquake victims in Türkiye following a relief drive launched by the Turkish Embassy in Quito.

Ecuadorians donated more than 15 tons to the embassy and warehouses of Turkish companies Donatella Fruit and Yilport in the cities of Guayaquil and Machala.

The Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry and the country’s Disaster and Risk Management Secretariat donated 17 tons of materials, consisting of food packages for 2,000 families, 1,000 blankets and 1,546 pairs of boots.

At a ceremony with Isabel Albornoz, Ambassador-Director of Economic Integration and Bilateral Trade Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador, Turkish Ambassador to Quito Basak Yalcin thanked Ecuadorian authorities and the people of the country for showing solidarity and condolence messages.

Albornoz reiterated her country's condolences and noted Türkiye’s helping hand after the 2016 earthquake in Ecuador. ​​​​​​​

The Embassy in Quito said 32 tons collected in Ecuador will be shipped from the Machala Port on Feb. 19 to be sent to Türkiye’s disaster agency, AFAD.