Spanish parliament voices support for quake-hit Türkiye

By Senhan Bonelli

MADRID (AA) – Spanish official institutions and NGOs have been mobilized to provide support to Türkiye over Monday's two deadly earthquakes, the Spanish daily La Vanguardia reported Thursday.

The Spanish Parliament in an official declaration called for active cooperation at the institutional level with Türkiye and Syria, the daily said.

The declaration expressed support for the victims of the earthquakes that hit Türkiye and Syria.

Spain showed its solidarity by sending rescuers and providing emergency support to the two countries, the declaration added, according to the same source.

The Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces also said it is ready to give contributions.

Autonomous communities of Madrid and Cantabria also prepared aid materials.

The Muslim community in Granada launched a help campaign via the Foundation of Granada Supreme Mosque.

The flag carrier Turkish Airlines will bring the aid packages.

Spain's Military Emergency Unit previously said its teams continued to dig through the rubble of collapsed buildings for possible survivors in the Islahiye district of Türkiye's southeastern Gaziantep province.

Madrid had already announced that it would mobilize health professionals and a field hospital in the earthquake zone.

The country’s Defense Ministry said two navy ships loaded with aid materials were also on their way to Türkiye to support relief operations.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares also announced that €1.5 million ($1.6 million) will be sent immediately as part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies' call for aid to Türkiye and Syria.

At least 16,546 people have been killed and 66,132 injured after two strong earthquakes jolted southern Türkiye on Monday, according to the latest official figures.

The quakes were also felt in several countries in the region, including Lebanon and Syria.

* Writing by Nur Asena Erturk in Ankara.