Türkiye sends 4th humanitarian aid ship to Lebanon

By Mustafa Unal Uysal

MERSIN, Türkiye (AA) - A ship carrying 23 truckloads of humanitarian aid to Lebanon left Türkiye’s southern Mersin province on Wednesday.

According to the provincial governor's office, the 23-truck fleet carrying 512 tons of food was prepared under the coordination of the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) at the instructions of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Speaking at a sendoff ceremony, Deputy Governor Ibrahim Kucuk said this ship is the fourth sent as part of an aid campaign for Lebanon.

Noting that the Lebanese public has difficulty meeting their needs, Kucuk said he hoped that the aid will help.

Since late 2019, Lebanon has been grappling with a severe economic crisis, including a massive currency depreciation as well as fuel and medical shortages.

The Lebanese currency has lost 90% of its value, eroding people’s ability to access basic goods, including food, water, health care, and education, while widespread power outages are common due to fuel shortages.

Almost 80% of Lebanon’s population now lives under the poverty line, with 36% in extreme poverty, according to UN estimates.​​​​​​​

*Writing by Seda Sevencan in Istanbul