Türkiye has praised President Mnangagwa and all Zimbabweans who assisted that country after it was struck by two destructive earthquakes in Kahramanmaras Province.
The earthquakes, which struck on February 6, also hit north-west Syria and have so far claimed over 46 000 people, an overwhelming majority of them in Türkiye.
Several thousands of people have varying injuries.
In Türkiye, over 84 000 buildings have either collapsed or were extensively damaged such that they demand urgent demolition and then reconstruction.
Addressing a media conference in Harare yesterday, Turkish Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ms Berna Kasnakli Versteden, thanked President Mnangagwa and Zimbabweans for their support following the earthquakes.
“His Excellency the President (Mnangagwa), he came to sign the book of condolences here at the embassy on 10 February. We are grateful for the condolences,” she said.
“I am also grateful for the generosity shown by you (Mr Afzal Motiwala, the MedTech Holdings CEO) and your team. I also want to thank many Zimbabweans individually who reached out to us. I also want to convey our thanks to religious leaders in Zimbabwe, who prayed for all the Turkish people.”
Ambassador Versteden said many people from Zimbabwe asked the Turkish Embassy for a bank account so they could support in their various ways.
She said the account has since been opened.
Ambassador Versteden said their hearts go to families that have lost their loved ones and those whose members are injured.
In his remarks yesterday, Mr Motiwala said upon hearing the news of the earthquake, he immediately decided to go and join in the search and rescue efforts together with his son Zain.
He said they engaged Ambassador Versteden for the necessary clearances.
Mr Motiwala said they left Harare on February 8 and on arrival in Türkiye, they were touched by the magnitude of devastation in Kahramanmaras Province and got down to business.
He said they then started to procure food, tents and heating, and left for Kahramanmaras Province.
“Upon arrival, I cannot even begin to describe what we saw. It was total devastation and in some areas, most of the buildings had collapsed,” said Mr Motiwala.
“We set up a food kitchen in Islahia to feed 10 000 people a day and assisted with meals, tents and heating. We worked closely with IHH and FAD, the local aid agencies and relief organisations.”
From the African continent, other teams supporting the rescue efforts were Gift of the Givers of South Africa and Al-Imdad Foundation.
Added Mr Motiwala: “We wanted to show that as Zimbabweans we stood strong with our brothers in Türkiye in their time of need. We continued to create awareness of the earthquake locally and hope to assist even further with volunteers from Zimbabwe.”
He said they returned home over the weekend, but “with a heavy heart having made great friends in Türkiye”. – The Herald
