Turkey’s Humanitarian Aid in Report No. 2 As of 11 August, 2020 This report covers the period from 6 August – 11 August 2020

An Update on Turkey’s Humanitarian Response to the Explosion at the Port of

Following the catastrophic explosion of 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate at the Port of Beirut, Lebanon, on 4 August 2020, under the coordination of Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), a 400M-type cargo plane that belongs to the Turkish Ministry of Defense landed in Beirut on 6 August. The plane carried over 360,000 humanitarian aid items, including medical equipment and medication along with AFAD, Turkish Red Crescent and National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE) search and rescue teams and personnel to assist with the distribution of humanitarian aid.1

Following their arrival to Beirut, the teams accompanied by Head of AFAD Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu were tested for COVID-19 and were only permitted to enter the site of the explosion once their tests returned negative.

Upon being located to a specific area at the port, AFAD and UMKE search and rescue teams have been continuing their search and rescue mission. Within the scope of their search, the teams conduct KBRN measurements on a daily basis. In addition to this, with the aim of helping Lebanese authorities find missing peoples under the rubble caused by the explosion at the port, AFAD and UMKE teams are liaising and supporting the efforts of the search and rescue teams from other countries. Due to the mass destruction of the buildings surrounding the port, many of the search and rescue missions are supported with relevant equipment.

In addition to the search and rescue efforts conducted by the AFAD and UMKE teams, with the assistance of teams from Turkey’s Ministry of Health an Emergency Response Unit and Personnel Shelter Unit were set up. Here, the needs of both Turkey’s and other country’s search and rescue teams are maintained. More, doctors sent by the Turkish Health Ministry have been designated by Lebanese authorities to different hospitals across the city in order to assist with the medical response.

Following the evaluation that took place on 11 August 2020, it was decided that the AFAD search and rescue team had completed their scope in the search efforts and that it was appropriate to call their mission to an end.

The humanitarian aid sent by the Turkish government with the cargo plane was handed to the relevant Lebanon military offices. The Turkish Red Crescent is continuing its needs assessment in order to precisely locate what kind of aid is needed in which area.

1 Information on the details of the aid delivered by Turkey to Lebanon after the explosion at the Beirut Port can be found at: https://reliefweb.int/report/lebanon/turkey-s-humanitarian-aid-lebanon-report-no-1-6-august- 2020

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On 6 August 2020, an official request was made by the Lebanese authorities requesting for countries to send humanitarian assistance. AFAD has received this request and will be delivering more humanitarian aid and medical assistance to Lebanon. The details of this response will be shared shortly.

Turkey’s Vice-President and Foreign Minister Visits Lebanon

On 8 August 2020, Turkey’s Vice-President Fuat Oktay and Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu visited Beirut. Following a meeting with Lebanese President , Fuat Oktay re-assured the authorities that Turkey’s hospitals and air ambulances would remain at Lebanon’s service. Oktay also announced that the government have offered for Turkish air ambulances to transport injured Lebanese citizens to Turkey for medical treatment.

The two also visited the area that AFAD, UMKE and Turkish Red Crescent teams are working. Head of AFAD Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu briefed the Vice-President and Foreign Minister on the scale of the response and the extra assistance required.

Turkey’s Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) has also been included to Turkey’s humanitarian response in Lebanon. 400 tons of wheat was brought to the Port of Tripoli (northern Lebanon) in order to help with the food shortage. More humanitarian and medical aid is expected to be delivered in the upcoming days.

In addition to Turkey’s humanitarian response to the tragedy that was witnessed in Beirut, the government has offered for the Mersin and İskenderun Ports to be used by Lebanese authorities until the Port of Beirut is re-built.

Images from inside of the ‘Personnel Shelter Unit’

established by the Turkish Health Ministry in Beirut.

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AFAD’s search and rescue teams have been working on the ground since their arrival to Beirut on 6 August 2020.

Following a briefing given by the Head of AFAD, Turkey’s Vice President and Foreign Minister visited the site where AFAD search and rescue teams are continuing their operations.

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