United Nations humanitarian fund allocates US$3.4 million for earthquake affected people in Turkey

(New York, 15 November 2011): The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has allocated US$3.4 million to provide shelter, education as well as mental health and psychosocial support to thousands of people affected by the recent earthquake in southeastern Turkey.

“The CERF contribution will allow for critical, life-saving assistance for people affected by the recent earthquakes in Turkey,” said Valerie Amos, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.

On 23 October, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake shook Van Province, killing more than 600 people and injuring over 4,000 others. Two more earthquakes on 9 November have so far claimed more than 20 lives. The Ministry of Education has announced that many schools in the area have been seriously damaged or destroyed.

With the CERF funding, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will work with the Turkish Red Crescent Agency, and the Disaster and Emergency Management Agency of the Prime Minister to provide shelter for 20,000 people.

"CERF support for UNHCR in Turkey will allow us to respond quickly to the international appeal by the Government to meet the needs of people affected by the earthquake in Van," said Carol Batchelor, Representative of UNHCR in Turkey. "With winter approaching, delivering family tents, blankets and sleeping tents is an urgent priority.”

Additionally, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will ensure that 2,500 people receive blankets and other supplies to protect against extreme winter conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) expects to support the delivery of urgent psychiatric services and emergency life-saving traumatic care. UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) aims to help up to 1,680 children resume their education in a safe learning environment.

The CERF, which is managed by the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), was established in 2005 by the UN General Assembly to make funding for humanitarian emergencies faster and more equitable. Since then, more than 120 Member States and dozens of private sector donors have pledged some US$2.3 billion to the Fund.

Turkey, the 30th largest donor, has contributed US$1.5 million to the CERF since its inception.