site.btaAmbassador Aylin Sekizkok: Turkiye Is Facing Unprecedented Disaster

Turkiye is experiencing a disaster unprecedented in the history of the republic, Turkish Ambassador to Sofia Aylin Sekizkok said on the morning show of BNT. She noted that 350 km is the length of the fault lines, the affected area is 30,000 sq m with a population of 13.5 million people in 10 districts with large commercial and industrial capacity. Some 5,900 buildings have collapsed, 15,000 are injured so far, but these numbers will probably grow, said Ambassador Sekizkok. 

"We need support, I thank the Bulgarian people for their help. Bulgaria is the first country after Azerbaijan to act," she added.

"In the areas where the disaster struck, and in the following stages, different issues are coming to the fore. At this stage we need first aid teams, especially in urban areas where we have very heavy damage to urban infrastructure. Bulgaria has provided such a team," explained Sekizkok. She pointed out that 40 other countries have sent teams. 

"The aftershocks continue and are very strong, we also have collapsed hospitals, but many countries are sending us field hospitals," the Turkish ambassador in Sofia said, adding that as clearing of the rubble is underway, miracles can always happen, and hopefully more survivors will be found.