Very grateful
In the early hours of August 17, a devastating earthquake hit the Marmara region of northwestern Turkey, taking a very heavy toll in human lives and causing widespread destruction.
Thousands of people perished, thousands were injured and thousands more were left homeless and in need.
As we started dealing with the tragic humanitarian consequences of this astounding calamity, we were gratified to see that our national mobilisation was being supported by a large-scale international relief effort including search and rescue teams, firefighters, doctors and medical teams.
The people of Turkey are deeply grateful for the timely assistance provided by the people of Hong Kong, for both their moral and material support in the aftermath of this disaster. Your generous and humane gesture in our most difficult and painful days will always be remembered.
Now we are faced with the task of providing temporary shelter for thousands of our homeless citizens that will help see them through the approaching winter months. We are undertaking a major reconstruction effort to build new earthquake-resistant permanent homes for them. We are determined to heal the wounds caused by this catastrophe in as short a time as possible and to fully restore and renovate the infrastructure in the disaster zone. We trust that Hong Kong people will continue to stand by us. We shall not forget the helping hand you have extended to us in our hour of need.
TARIK YALVAC Consul-General of Turkey
