The deadly earthquake that struck Turkey last week claimed hundreds of lives and left millions more in desperate need of aid, prompting the UN to issue an appeal for $1 billion (about Ksh125.6 billion) to assist the victims.

According to a statement by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, 5.2 million people would get humanitarian aid from the funds for three months.

Other than food security, protection, education, water, and she, the money would "enable relief organizations to scale up crucial support rapidly," he continued.


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There is no time to waste because of the immense demands and suffering of the population, Guterres pleaded.

In reaction to one of the worst natural disasters in modern history, "I implore the world community to step up and fully fund this crucial effort."

More than 35,000 people have died in southeast Turkey due to the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck early on February 6, thousands more in Syria died, and others were critical on the other side of the border.

According to Ankara, the crisis has affected more than 9 million people in Turkey.

Martin Griffiths, the UN's emergency relief coordinator, described the suffering endured by the Turkish people as "unspeakable anguish" in a statement announcing the flash appeal.


Griffiths, who oversees the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, continued, "We must stand with our people in their hour of need and make sure that they receive love and care they require" (OCHA).

Thousands of people, including young children and the elderly, lack access to shelter, food, water, heaters, and medical treatment in the frigid weather, according to OCHA.

Over 47,000 buildings in Turkey have been damaged or destroyed, the reports say, and thousands of people have sought safety in makeshift shelters.

According to OCHA, the UN supplies the impacted districts with hot meals, food, tents, warm winter apparel, blankets, mattresses, cooking sets, and medical equipment.

A $397 million (around Ksh 49.9 billion) UN appeal was launched on Tuesday to aid earthquake victims in Syria.

Earlier, the UN's central emergency response fund contributed $50 million (about Ksh. 6.3 billion) to aid in relief efforts.