Africa-Press – Mauritius. A joint appeal to financially contribute to provide assistance and relief to the victims of the Türkiye -Syria earthquake, was made to the population, the private sector and the business community, this afternoon, by the Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr.
Alan Ganoo, and the Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mrs Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo. Both Ministers, in fact, co-chaired a press conference in Port-Louis to announce the support measures being taken by the Government to provide help to Türkiye and Syria following the earthquake that hit the countries on 06 February 2023.
They both highlighted the devastating impacts of the earthquake including a high death toll, major infrastructural loss, massive number of injured and hospitalised persons and homeless survivors.
Both Minister Ganoo and Minister Jeewa-Daureeawoo called upon the generosity of all Mauritians to urgently help and support the affected Syrian and Turkish population in the quakes-hit zones, through financial contributions.
They therefore announced the holding of a fundraising event, a Teledon, to be held at the Municipal Council of Port-Louis on 21 February 2023 as from 08 00 hours to 20 00 hours, and concurrently in other public places including shopping malls, District Councils and Municipal Councils.
This initiative is being held with the aim of scaling up collective effort to extend help to the victims of the earthquake disaster, emphasised the Ministers.
Contributions can be made on the following Bank Accounts dedicated for ‘Donations for Türkiye and Syria’, that are already operational, namely – State Bank of Mauritius: 50300001045594 MauBank: 102000046610 Minister Jeewa-Daureeawoo informed that her Ministry is also collaborating with Mauritius Telecom to set up an SMS Donation system, to enable the public to donate to directly from their mobile phones.
As for Minister Ganoo, he recalled that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, has set up a cell to assist Mauritian nationals currently in those countries requiring assistance and that a hotline (405 2576) for emergency cases is operational since 08 February 2023.
The assistance of the Honorary Consul of Mauritius in Istanbul, Türkiye, has also be sought, and so far six Mauritians who have been in contact with the Government, have been offered the necessary assistance and are in safe conditions, he informed.
The Minister further stated that upon the offer of help to the Türkiye Government, a request for the donation of medical equipment, medication and electric heating equipment was made to Mauritius.
He pointed out that necessary actions is being taken by the Ministry of Health and Wellness and called upon importers and retailers to join the efforts of the Government. He also added that Turkish Airline has provided its assistance for the conveyance of donations being made by Mauritius to Türkiye.
Furthermore, the Foreign Affairs Minister announced that the Government will decide on the quantum of financial assistance that will be extended on behalf of the State by next Friday.
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