International Medical Corps’ team on the ground in Ankara, Turkey is monitoring the situation in the southeast, on the border of Iran, where a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck on Sunday. Early reports indicate a death toll of 279, with over 1,300 injured and at least 366 trapped underneath debris in Van Province.
“International Medical Corps has a relief team and supplies on standby in the region,” said Rabih Torbay, International Medical Corps’ Vice President of International Operations. “We are currently liaising with Turkish authorities via our local implementing partners to determine the extent of the damage and the potential needs in the area, and are ready to respond as needed.” Turkey frequently experiences seismic activity and authorities have significant capacity to manage disasters.