Turkish police have detained dozens of people after conducting nationwide raids targeting LGBTQ organisations.

Police swooped on gay bars, offices and homes of activists in major cities including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Mersin on Sunday, escalating Turkiye’s decade-long hostility towards LGBTQ groups.

State news agency Anadolu quoted prosecutors in Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir as saying that at least 63 people were detained, the AFP news agency reported.

Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said in a social media post on Sunday that prosecutors had launched an investigation into 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses to “protect children, the institution of the family, and public order”.

Turkish authorities targeted current and former members of multiple LGBTQ rights and HIV awareness groups. The organisations’ websites were blocked days before the police raids.

Gurlek said the “My Family is Safe” operations on Sunday aligned with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s 10-year “Decade of Family and Population” executive order, which aims to combat Turkiye’s falling birthrate.

“As per the duty to protect families and children given to the state by the constitution, no criminal organization, abuse network or illegal activity which targets children, youths or families will be tolerated!” Gurlek wrote on X.

LGBTQ rights organisation Kaos GL, whose offices were searched and activists taken into custody, said that “nearly 50 defenders of the rights of LGBTQ people … have been taken into custody or are subject to legal proceedings involving interrogations or detentions”.

Judicial authorities in Turkiye’s capital, Ankara, accused Kaos GL of publishing “posts containing obscenity” online and said that the content was accessible to children, according to the rights group. 

Rights activists accused the Turkish government of hardening its rhetoric and restrictions against Turkiye’s LGBTQ community in recent years.

“The real name of this operation is not ‘My Family is Safe’; it is state-led discrimination, politics of fear and the dismantling of civil society,” the Turkish Human Rights Association said on X.

The European Parliament’s rapporteur on Turkiye, Nacho Sanchez Amor, condemned the detentions as “a shocking escalation in the repression” in the country.

The governing AK Party banned Istanbul Pride in 2015. Any attempted gatherings since then have been violently dispersed by authorities. (Al Jazeera)

The post Turkish authorities launch anti-LGBTQ raids, detaining dozens appeared first on Newswire.

Donald Trump departed on a secret military flight from Turkey to Britain last month when the White House said he was flying aboard ⁠Air Force One, in an extraordinary ruse – prompted by an Iranian assassination threat – that involved hiding the president in an airport catering container, according to reporting from the Washington Post and the New York Times.

The operation took place when Trump was in Ankara for a Nato summit with world leaders, according to the Post. The president reportedly boarded the old Air Force One jumbo jet in view of television cameras, and then was secretly shuttled minutes later to a smaller plane via an airport catering truck typically used to load meals and other supplies preflight, a US official told the Post.

An official also confirmed the operation to the New York Times. The Guardian has reached out to the White House and the US Department of Defense for comment.

Trump’s actual location was concealed from journalists and some White House staff. A US official told the Post that a credible threat to Trump involving Iran set the “deception operation” in motion.

The administration previously claimed that Trump left Turkey on 8 July on the former Air Force One. The president had also announced on Truth Social that he would use the “former Air Force One” rather than the plane that flew him there, a new Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar.

The trip to the Nato summit was the first international travel for the new plane, whose speedy upgrades triggered questions over its cost and security, ⁠and took place as hostilities escalated with Iran, which borders Turkey.

Before departing Ankara, Trump said on Truth Social that he would use an older, baby blue Air Force One plane “for old time’s sake” to RAF Mildenhall ⁠in Britain while the new plane stopped at the same base so US service members stationed there could tour the aircraft.

A similar operation took place in 2000, when Bill Clinton used an unmarked executive jet to fly into Pakistan while sending his formal Air Force One as decoy.

On this occasion, the journalists who thought they were traveling with Trump on the older Air Force One reported being advised to keep their window shades in the press cabin closed. The Post said some White House staff also believed the president was on board.

When asked later by reporters why they had to keep their shades shut during the flight, Trump said it was because they were “probably on ​a dangerous flight”. He went onto say: “But if I go, you go. Right?”

The C-32A carrying Trump flew to Britain, arriving at about 10.20pm local time with the older Air Force One and media arriving minutes later, the Post reported.

The New York Times reported: “Mr Trump was brought by vehicle from the third plane that he had arrived on to the older Air Force One, boarded it through a different entrance and strode down the step from the upper left-side door as he would typically do, according to [a] US official.”

Trump’s traveling press pool reported he climbed down the stairs of the older Air Force ⁠One at 10.56pm local time. He gave press a peace sign but didn’t walk over ​to talk to them. He then spent some ​time greeting service members before walking to the new, ​Qatar-donated plane.

When asked for comment on the revelation of a secret flight on a third plane, the ​White House provided a statement ‌from Steve Cheung, the communications director, ​saying the Qatari-donated jet has been ​fitted with high-level security protocols that ensure the safety of the president and his staff.

“As the president has said recently, there are many enemies of America who have their sights on him, and we use every tool at our disposal to address those threats,” Cheung said. It was the same statement provided to the Post. (The Guardian/ Reuters)

The post Trump reportedly hid in catering container to board secret flight in Turkey amid Iran threat appeared first on Newswire.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Türkiye, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tea Board and BETA Food Industry and Trade Inc., hosted an exclusive afternoon dedicated to Ceylon Tea at the Sri Lanka Residence to mark International Tea Day.

According to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara, the event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, Turkish media, leading tea traders, and importers for a cultural and culinary showcase of Sri Lanka’s most iconic export.

Welcoming guests, Ambassador Niluka Kadurugamuwa underscored the global significance of International Tea Day, declared by UNESCO, while highlighting tea’s deep economic, cultural, and historical importance to Sri Lanka. She emphasized that Ceylon Tea continues to enjoy worldwide prestige for its unmatched quality, rich aroma, refreshing taste, and diverse regional character.

The program featured a presentation on “Ceylon Tea” by specialist Hatice Uğur, screenings of promotional videos, and a live tasting session introducing participants to seven regional varieties and premium artisanal teas. Guests experienced firsthand the craftsmanship and authenticity that distinguish Ceylon Tea in the international market.

BETA Food Industry and Trade Inc., a longstanding partner in importing Ceylon Tea to Türkiye, co‑organized the event, reflecting the growing friendship and cooperation between the two nations in promoting the tea industry.

The elegant afternoon was enriched with authentic Sri Lankan refreshments, traditional delights, and Ceylon Tea hampers gifted to attendees. The celebration reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to promoting Ceylon Tea in Türkiye while strengthening trade relations and cultural exchanges between the two countries. (Newswire)

The post Sri Lanka promotes Ceylon Tea at International Tea Day event in Türkiye appeared first on Newswire.

The Second Round of Political Consultations between the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Republic of Türkiye was held on Tuesday (05) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye in Ankara, reflecting the shared commitment of both nations to further deepen cooperation based on mutual respect, shared values, and common interests.

According to a statement from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the consultations were co-chaired by the Director General of the Europe and North America Division of the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sugeeshwara Gunaratna and the Director General for South Asia of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, Ambassador Cihad Erginay. 

Both sides underscored the importance of maintaining regular political dialogue to review progress and identify new avenues for collaboration, building on the strong historical foundations of bilateral relations. 

During the consultations, the two delegations engaged in comprehensive and forward-looking discussions covering a wide spectrum of areas, including bilateral political relations, trade and economic cooperation, defence collaboration, connectivity and maritime affairs, education, science and technology, and regional and multilateral issues. 

Opportunities for expanding investments and joint ventures were also explored, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, tourism, logistics, and technology. 

Sri Lanka expressed its sincere appreciation for the humanitarian assistance extended by the Government of Türkiye in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, and both sides discussed avenues for further cooperation in reconstruction and development initiatives.

The consultations also noted the steady progress in defence and security cooperation, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening institutional linkages and capacity-building efforts. 

Discussions further focused on enhancing connectivity and maritime cooperation, including leveraging existing direct air links between Istanbul and Colombo and exploring collaboration in maritime services and the blue economy. 

Both sides also highlighted the importance of advancing cooperation in higher education, vocational training, and scientific research, including the early finalization of pending bilateral agreements. 

The two delegations exchanged views on regional and global developments, including developments in West Asia, South Asia, and the Indian Ocean region, and reaffirmed their commitment to working closely within the United Nations and other multilateral fora on issues of mutual interest. Both sides reiterated their adherence to the principles of the UN Charter, international law, and multilateral cooperation. 

The Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry points out that the successful convening of the Second Round of Political Consultations reflects the strong political will on both sides to elevate bilateral relations to new heights, guided by a shared vision of sustainable development, regional stability, and mutual prosperity. (Newswire)

The post Sri Lanka and Türkiye strengthen bilateral ties at Second Round of Political Consultations appeared first on Newswire.

Three people have been killed and two police officers injured in a gunfire incident ⁠near the building housing the Israeli consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul, according to Turkiye’s media reports.

The Reuters news agency video showed a police officer pulling out a gun and taking cover as gunshots resounded. 

One person ⁠was seen covered in ⁠blood. (Al Jazeera)

The post Three killed in shooting near Israeli consulate in Turkiye’s Istanbul appeared first on Newswire.

Turkey’s parliament descended into chaos on Wednesday (February 11) as a heated confrontation broke out between members of the ruling party and opposition lawmakers during a cabinet reshuffle session. The clash was sparked by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s decision to appoint Istanbul Chief Prosecutor Akin Gurlek as the country’s new justice minister. Tensions rose when opposition deputies attempted to prevent Gurlek from being sworn in. Lawmakers crowded the chamber floor, shouting and shoving, with some exchanges escalating into physical scuffles.

Video footage from inside parliament showed punches thrown as security struggled to restore order. Gurlek’s nomination has been sharply criticized by the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). During his tenure as Istanbul’s chief prosecutor, he oversaw several prominent cases targeting CHP figures, trials that opposition leaders claim were politically driven. The government has consistently rejected those accusations, maintaining that Turkey’s judiciary operates independently of political influence.

Despite the uproar, Gurlek ultimately took the oath of office, flanked by members of the ruling party. The reshuffle also included the appointment of Mustafa Ciftci, formerly the governor of Erzurum province, as Turkey’s new interior minister. The Cabinet changes come amid a politically sensitive period. In recent months, authorities have arrested hundreds of officials from municipalities controlled by the CHP in corruption investigations. Among those detained was Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, widely regarded as President Erdogan’s most formidable political challenger. His arrest last year intensified tensions between the government and opposition parties.

Officials have not provided a detailed explanation for the Cabinet overhaul. However, a notice published in the Official Gazette stated that the departing ministers had requested to be relieved of their duties. The reshuffle unfolds at a critical juncture for Turkey, as lawmakers debate potential constitutional amendments and the government advances a peace initiative with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a militant group engaged in a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state. Parliament is expected to introduce reforms aimed at supporting the reconciliation process, adding further political weight to the latest ministerial appointments. (WION)

The post Brawl breaks out in Turkish Parliament over justice minister appeared first on Newswire.

A woman in Turkey has filed a paternity lawsuit, claiming that the president of the United States is her biological father and is seeking a DNA test to prove it.

Necla Ozmen, 55, lives in Ankara and filed a lawsuit at the Family Court on September 25, reported Dailymail.

The lawsuit was immediately dismissed by the court, but she continued her appeal.

Necla said she was born in 1970 and is registered as the daughter of Sati and Dursun Ozmen, the couple who raised her. She claims she later found out she was adopted and that Sati had told her the truth.

Necla claims that the “baby swap” took place in a hospital in Turkey around 1970. According to her, Sati had given birth to a stillborn baby and an American woman who had given birth on the same day and was in that hospital had given her baby to raise.

Necla claims that the reason the American woman gave the child to the Ozmen family was because of her extramarital affair with Trump.

She asked the judges for a genetic test.

Necla has told Turkish media that she just wants to know the truth, insisting that she has similarities with Trump and his children. (Reporteri)

The post Woman in Turkey claims Trump is her father, demands DNA test appeared first on Newswire.

In an increasingly interconnected global economy, diplomatic and political moves between nations often have far-reaching consequences beyond mere bilateral relations. One such example is India’s recent boycott of Turkey, initiated in response to Ankara’s support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. This instance carries a heavier economic weight for Turkey, which is already struggling with chronic inflation, a volatile currency, and declining investor confidence.

Dwindling economic environment in Turkey 

Turkey’s economy over the past few years has been marred by instability and high inflation, despite occasional spurts of growth. The post-COVID recovery brought some respite in 2021 with an impressive GDP growth rate of 11.4%, largely attributed to pent-up demand and an export boom. However, this momentum quickly waned as macroeconomic challenges resurfaced. In 2022, GDP growth slowed to 5.5%, followed by 4.5% in 2023 and an estimated 3.0% in 2024. Projections for 2025 indicate further deceleration to around 2.7%.

High inflation has been one of the most persistent problems. In 2022, Turkey faced a staggering inflation rate of over 72%, fuelled by unorthodox monetary policies such as cutting interest rates despite rising prices. Although inflation slightly moderated to 54% in 2023, it remained a significant burden on consumers and businesses. In 2024, inflation rebounded to around 61%, and while 2025 projections suggest a decline to approximately 33%, it is still among the highest globally.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) also mirrored this volatility. Turkey attracted around USD 13.67 billion in FDI in 2022, but this dropped to USD 10.64 billion in 2023 due to heightened investor concerns over legal uncertainties, currency risks, and political interference. Though FDI slightly rebounded to USD 11.3 billion in 2024, this level is insufficient to stabilize or meaningfully stimulate the economy. The trend reflects a strong rebound in 2021 followed by a gradual decline, indicating structural weaknesses and policy inconsistencies.

Turkey’s volatile trade scenario

Exports have historically been a cornerstone of Turkey’s economy, supported by its strategic location between Europe and Asia. Key markets included Germany, the UK, Iraq, and the United States. However, Turkey’s import dependency, especially for energy, machinery, and intermediate goods has resulted in recurring trade deficits as Turkey’s economy is heavily reliant on imports for industrial and consumer needs, the trade deficit in 2024 is estimated at USD 20 billion. 

Weakening investment environment in Turkey

Turkey’s investment climate has been described as turbulent. Private investment, which accounts for approximately 10% of GDP, has been dampened by high interest rates, currency volatility, and weakening institutional credibility. Major sectors such as real estate, manufacturing, and fintech have faced headwinds from reduced credit availability and inconsistent economic policies. Although Turkey continues to pursue FDI through incentives and reforms, investor confidence is low. Regulatory unpredictability, political instability, and concerns over judicial independence have deterred long-term foreign investors.

Recent economic challenges

Turkey is grappling with a multi-dimensional economic crisis. The Turkish lira has lost significant value over the past three years, contributing to imported inflation and public discontent. The central bank’s erratic policy changes have undermined monetary credibility. Political turmoil, especially after the 2023 elections, and natural disasters like the 2023 earthquakes have added further strain. Moreover, Turkey’s large current account deficit, falling forex reserves, and increasing reliance on short-term capital inflows have exacerbated its financial vulnerabilities.

India’s economic engagement with Turkey, while not massive, is symbolically and strategically significant. The recent boycott has already begun to show effects across trade, tourism, and retail. India has halted imports of Turkish marble worth over ₹3,000 crore (USD 360 million) annually, a sector where Turkey had a strong foothold in India’s construction and real estate industries. Imports of Turkish apples, previously a growing niche, have also ceased. Turkish retail brands such as LC Waikiki have been removed from Indian e-commerce platforms like Ajio and Flipkart. Tourism has been hit hard. Travel agencies in India report a 60% drop in bookings for Turkish destinations, especially for weddings and film shoots segments that bring high-margin revenues. Turkey was emerging as a key destination for Indian weddings, often generating several million dollars per event. The loss of this segment is a major setback. The longer the boycott continues, the greater its impact on Turkish businesses dependent on Indian demand. Furthermore, the boycott could dissuade Indian conglomerates from considering Turkey as an investment destination, further isolating Ankara economically.

Turkey’s bleak tourism outlook

Tourism plays a pivotal role in the Turkish economy, contributing to employment, foreign exchange reserves, and regional development. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Turkey made a strong recovery in tourism. In 2023, the sector generated USD 61 billion in revenues, marking an 8.3% increase from the previous year. However, this momentum has been threatened by geopolitical concerns, including tensions with India. India has historically been a growing market for Turkish tourism, particularly among affluent Indian travellers and Bollywood productions. However, the recent 60% drop in Indian travel bookings due to the boycott may erase a significant portion of anticipated revenue in 2025. About 3 lac (0.3 million) Indian tourist reach Turkey every year. 

The withdrawal of Indian tourists from Turkey has significant implications for Turkey’s economy, particularly in sectors heavily reliant on international tourism. India has historically been a substantial source of foreign exchange earnings through its outbound travellers, contributing to Turkey’s vibrant tourism industry, which includes hospitality, transportation, retail, and cultural sectors.

A decline in Indian visitors can lead to decreased revenue, reduced occupancy rates in hotels, and lower sales for local businesses catering to tourists. Furthermore, this downturn may adversely affect employment within the tourism sector, potentially leading to job losses and decreased income for those dependent on tourism-related services. The broader economic impact could also extend to reduced foreign currency inflows, affecting Turkey’s balance of payments and overall economic stability. 

Impact of withdrawal of Indian students from Turkey Universities 

The withdrawal of Indian students from Turkish universities can have several implications for Turkey’s higher education sector and its broader diplomatic and economic relations. Indian students constitute a significant portion of the international students in Turkey, contributing to the diversity and vibrancy of Turkish universities.

Their departure may lead to decreased enrolment numbers, impacting university revenues, research collaborations, and cultural exchange programs. Additionally, a decline in Indian students could diminish Turkey’s reputation as an attractive destination for international higher education, potentially affecting future student recruitment from other countries. Economically, Indian students contribute to local economies through living expenses, internships, and part-time work, so their withdrawal can have a localized economic impact in university towns. 

Turkey’s economic landscape is already burdened with structural weaknesses, ranging from high inflation and trade deficits to shaky investor confidence and political instability. The recent Indian boycott, although primarily symbolic, has tangible effects on trade, tourism, and investment. As India tightens its economic disengagement with Turkey, the ripple effects will likely deepen the crisis in key Turkish industries.

This episode underscores the importance of geopolitical neutrality in international relations, particularly for nations like Turkey, which are heavily dependent on foreign trade and tourism. Unless Ankara takes steps to rebuild diplomatic trust and restore economic fundamentals, the road ahead may grow even more turbulent in the coming times. (Times of Oman)

The post India’s boycott will worsen Turkey’s dwindling economy appeared first on Newswire.

A strong earthquake has hit Turkiye, causing buildings in the city of Istanbul to shake.

The quake, taking place at 12:49 [09:49 GMT] on Wednesday in the Marmara Sea off the coast of Istanbul’s Silvri area, registered a preliminary 6.2 magnitude, reports Turkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Authority (AFAD).

It was at a depth of 10km (6.21 miles), according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ).

The initial quake was followed by three others with magnitudes of 4.4 to 4.9, posted AFAD on X.

As buildings shook, people rushed onto the streets where crowds of worried-looking people stared at their mobile phones for information or made calls, an AFP correspondent said.

There were no immediate reports of damage, but people evacuated buildings as structures rumbled in the city, located on the European and Asian shores of the Bosphorus strait. Broadcaster TGRT reported that one person had been injured as a result of jumping off a balcony during the quake, which occurred during a public holiday in Turkiye.

Kemal Cebi, the mayor of Kucukcekmece district in western Istanbul, told local broadcaster NTV that there were “no negative developments yet” but said that there were traffic jams and that many buildings were already at risk due to the density of the area.

In a post on X, Turkiye’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said emergency authorities have begun “field assessments” and offered well wishes to those affected.

AFAD warned people in the region against entering damaged buildings.

The tremors could be felt as far away as Bulgaria, according to AFP journalists in the capital Sofia.

Turkey is crossed by two major fault lines, and earthquakes are frequent. (Al Jazeera)

The post Magnitude 6.2 earthquake jolts Turkiye’s Istanbul appeared first on Newswire.

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Ankara participated in the 13th International Orange Blossom Festival held in Adana, Turkey, for 03 days in April. 

The Embassy operated a vibrant cultural stall under the theme “Children of the World”, celebrating Sri Lankan heritage with a special focus on children and youth.

According to the Sri Lankan Embassy, set in the scenic Atatürk Park in Adana, the event drew over 200,000 visitors from across Türkiye and abroad, warmly welcoming over 15,000 visitors.

Visitors of all ages, particularly children, were captivated by the vibrant display of Sri Lanka’s traditional art, crafts, and colourful visuals. The stall served as a unique window into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural tapestry, offering an immersive experience of the island nation’s warm hospitality and deep-rooted traditions.

As part of the cultural engagement, Ceylon tea was served to guests, offering a warm and flavorful taste of the island’s world-renowned beverage.

The Embassy’s participation in this globally recognised festival was an opportunity to foster cultural diplomacy, promote people-to-people ties, and showcase Sri Lanka’s unique identity to an international audience.

Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara was represented by Minister Counsellor of the Embassy,  Nilusha Dilmini; Consular Officer,  Niranjala Nawarathne and staff member,  Sampath Prasad, with the generous support of Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in the Mediterranean Region, Adana, Besir Uğur. (Newswire)

The post Sri Lanka participates in Turkey’s Orange Blossom Festival appeared first on Newswire.

The agreement on the Elimination of Double Taxation between the Governments of Sri Lanka and Türkiye is effective from December 11, 2023, it was reported.

The agreement, concerning Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and Avoidance, came into effect following the completion of internal requirements of both countries.

It was signed during the official visit of then-Foreign Minister of Türkiye, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu to Sri Lanka on 28 January 2022. 

The agreement comes into effect at a time when Sri Lanka and Türkiye celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations this year and is expected to bring mutual benefits to the people of both countries. (NewsWire)

The post Elimination of Double Taxation Agreement with Türkiye effective appeared first on Newswire.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara decided to make the customary Ramadan donation for some of the survivors of the Earthquake who arrived in Ankara, this year.

The Embassy said in a statement that the devastating earthquakes on 6 February followed by over 6,000 aftershocks and flooding that occurred in the southeastern part of Turkiye, resulted in destroying over 50,000 lives and infrastructure spread over 10 provinces with over 110,000 sqm area. According to an offıcial estimate over 300,000 have migrated to Ankara, with most living in with relatives, friends and dormitories.

The Embassy stated that it decided to provide the donation boxes to people living in Alacaatlı Neighborhood of Cankaya District of the Ankara Province. The support for this group is extended by the local Neighborhood Muhtar who is the elected village head. Muhtars and their village councils are elected during local elections for five (05) years. Political parties are not permitted to nominate candidates for these posts.

The head of Muhtar, Hülya Erdoğan of Alacaatlı Neighborhood and her all-female volunteer team invited a group of survivors to gather at their office to receive the donation. The volunteer team along with Embassy staff and members of the Sri Lankan community distributed the donation boxes. The Ambassador also interacted with the group, who shared their horrific experiences, and how they are trying their best to be resilient.

The Ambassador also had discussions with Hülya Erdoğan and her team on their mandate which includes extending physical and mental support with counselling for survivors and funding. The Ambassador assured her support in their efforts.

The Embassy further stated that the Ambassador thanked the Embassy staff and some of the members of the Sri Lankan community who contributed to making the Ramadan donation packs and added that as the disaster occurred on the day that the formal reception of Sri Lanka’s 75th Anniversary of Independence was to take place, it was decided to add a special gift, in commemoration of the same. (NewsWire)

The post Sri Lankan Embassy in Ankara makes Ramadan donations to earthquake survivors appeared first on Newswire.

Rescuers pulled more survivors from the rubble on Sunday, nearly a week after one of the worst earthquakes to hit Turkey and Syria, as Turkish authorities sought to maintain order across the disaster zone and began legal action over building collapses.

With chances of finding more survivors growing more remote, the toll in both countries from Monday’s earthquake and major aftershocks rose above 33,000 and looked set to keep growing. It was the deadliest quake in Turkey since 1939.

In a central district of one of the worst-hit cities, Antakya in southern Turkey, business owners emptied their shops on Sunday to prevent merchandise from being stolen by looters.

Residents and aid workers who came from other cities cited worsening security conditions, with widespread accounts of businesses and collapsed homes being robbed.

Facing questions over his response to the earthquake as he prepares for a national election that is expected to be the toughest of his two decades in power, President Tayyip Erdogan has said the government will deal firmly with looters.

In Syria, the disaster hit hardest in the rebel-held northwest, leaving homeless yet again many people who had already been displaced several times by a decade-old civil war. The region has received little aid compared to government-held areas.

“We have so far failed the people in north-west Syria,” United Nations aid chief Martin Griffiths tweeted from the Turkey-Syria border, where only a single crossing is open for U.N. aid supplies.

“They rightly feel abandoned,” Griffiths said, adding that he was focused on addressing that swiftly.

Washington called on the Syrian government and all other parties in the country to immediately grant humanitarian access to all those in need.

More than six days after the first quake struck, emergency workers still found a handful of people clinging to life in the wreckage of homes that had become tombs for many thousands. (Reuters)

Five things to do when in an earthquake

•  If you are INDOORS — STAY THERE! Get under a desk or table and hang on to it (Drop, Cover, and Hold on!) or move into a hallway or against an inside wall. STAY CLEAR of windows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances. GET OUT of the kitchen, which is a dangerous place (things can fall on you). DON’T run downstairs or rush outside while the building is shaking or while there is danger of falling and hurting yourself or being hit by falling glass or debris.
• If you are OUTSIDE — get into the OPEN, away from buildings, power lines, chimneys, and anything else that might fall on you.
• If you are DRIVING — stop, but carefully. Move your car as far out of traffic as possible. DO NOT stop on or under a bridge or overpass or under trees, light posts, power lines, or signs. STAY INSIDE your car until the shaking stops. When you RESUME driving, watch for breaks in the pavement, fallen rocks, and bumps in the road at bridge approaches.
• If you are in a MOUNTAINOUS AREA — watch out for falling rock, landslides, trees, and other debris that could be loosened by quakes.
• If you are near the OCEAN – see these safety rules from NOAA’s Tsunami Warning Center.(NewsWire)

The post Five things to do when in an earthquake appeared first on Newswire.

Appreciating India’s help in the form of search and rescue teams that landed in the morning after two devastating earthquakes struck Turkey in 24 hours, Turkey’s Ambassador to India Firat Sunel, on Tuesday, said that the second plane will land in the country before evening.

While addressing the press conference, Sunel said, “India is among the countries that send teams for search and rescue operations.

And as you all know very well, India is among these foreign search and rescue teams. Early yesterday, just a few later than the first earthquake, Indian National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) held a coordination meeting upon the instruction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

“Later, I also participated in the meeting with the Minister of External Affairs with NDRF members.

And yesterday India sent a plane, a C-17 carrier to Turkey, carrying more than 50 search and rescue members, and experts, including research and rescue dogs and some equipment.

This plane arrived early in the morning. And the rescue team in Turkey has already started the operation. Also early, this morning back in Turkey it is still in the air but we are also expecting to land before evening,” he added.

On Monday morning, a massive earthquake of magnitude 7.8 on the Richter scale hits 26 km E of Nurdagi in Turkey, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Terming India as “Dost” (friend) Sunel said that New Delhi’s help is a huge moral support for the country.

He recalled the Covid period when Turkey sent two carriers loaded with medical assistance to India and said that the same thing is being repeated as New Delhi is also providing help to Ankara.

Turkey’s Ambassador also recalled the proverb, “a friend in need is a friend indeed.” Giving the details about the damages and casualties caused by the earthquake, Sunel said, “Earthquake of the magnitude of 7.7 hits Turkey, just after a couple of hours another earthquake with magnitude 7.6 shakes Turkey…

So almost 14 million people from 10 provinces were affected in southeastern Turkey, it’s a big disaster. According to the sources, they say it is even one of the most devastating earthquakes in the history of western Asia.

The death toll reached 3,432 (in Turkey) and 21,103 were injured, almost 6,000 buildings collapsed, and 3 airports were damaged.” “So far, we haven’t received any requests from Indians for rescue after the earthquake in Turkey. The Indian mission in Ankara may have received some requests,” he said. (ANI)

The post Turkey appreciates India for sending search, rescue teams appeared first on Newswire.

Turkey’s president has rejected growing criticism of the authorities’ response to Monday’s huge earthquakes, as the death toll passed 15,000 across Turkey and Syria and rescuers continued to pull survivors from the freezing rubble.

Making his first visit to Turkey’s worst-affected region since the 7.8- and 7.5-magnitude quakes hit within hours of each other, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan acknowledged early problems with Turkey’s response but said it was now working well.

“Of course, there are shortcomings. The conditions are clear to see. It’s not possible to be ready for a disaster like this,” Erdoğan said on a visit to Hatay, a southern province that has the highest death toll in the country.

Many Turks have complained of a lack of equipment and support as they waited helplessly next to the rubble of their apartment blocks, unable to rescue relatives and neighbours trapped inside despite sometimes hearing cries for help.

Erdoğan condemned the mounting criticism of rescue efforts. “This is a time for unity, solidarity. I cannot stomach people conducting negative campaigns for political interest,” said the president, who faces an election in May.

Officials have confirmed 12,391 people died in Turkey in the aftermath of the twin quakes. According to Syrian officials and a rescue group in rebel-held north-west Syria, the death toll there has reached 2,992, bringing the combined tally to 15,383.

Experts have predicted the toll in both countries will rise further, and perhaps more than double, as hundreds of collapsed buildings in many cities have become tombs for people who were asleep when the first quake hit in the early morning.

Erdoğan, wary of the impact of any perception his government was failing in its response to Turkey’s most deadly quake since 1939, has declared a state of emergency in the areas concerned and sent in troops to help. He has also promised new housing within a year for those left homeless in the 10 affected provinces, where an estimated 64,000 buildings have been destroyed.

Survivors in southern Turkey and north-west Syria, meanwhile, spent a second night in the freezing cold, many taking refuge in their cars or under blankets in the streets, fearful of going back into potentially seriously weakened buildings.

A winter storm and subzero temperatures have rendered many roads in the region – some of them already severely damaged by the earthquakes – almost impassable, resulting in traffic jams that stretch for miles in some areas. A lack of heavy equipment is also severely hindering the rescue effort.

The World Health Organization (WHO), which has previously said up to 23 million people may be affected by the quakes, on Wednesday announced it was sending a high-level delegation to coordinate its response in both countries, as well as three flights with medical supplies, one of which is already on its way to Istanbul.

“The health needs are tremendous,” said Dr Iman Shankiti, the WHO representative for Syria, with many thousands injured and a healthcare system shattered by civil war. In Turkey, the WHO representative Batyr Berdyklychev said more than 53,000 people were injured.

The organisation’s incident manager for the earthquake, Rob Holden, said many needed support with the “basics of life”, such as clean water and shelter. “We are in real danger of seeing a secondary disaster which may cause harm to more people than the initial disaster,” Holden said.

Many countries have so far pledged aid, and international rescue teams have begun to arrive. For those in the stricken areas, help could not come soon enough. “Where are the tents, where are food trucks?” Melek, 64, in the southern city of Antakya, asked a Reuters reporter.

“We haven’t seen any food distribution here. We survived the earthquake, but we will die here due to hunger or cold here.”

Emergency workers on Wednesday saved several children discovered under a collapsed building in Hatay. “All of a sudden we heard … the voices of three people at the same time,” said one rescuer, Alperen Çetinkaya.

In many parts of Turkey hit by the quakes, shops were closed and there was no heat because gas pipes had been shut to avoid explosions. “My nephew, my sister-in-law and my sister-in-law’s sister are in the ruins,” Semire Çoban, an infant school teacher in Hatay, told Agence France-Presse.

“They are trapped under the ruins and there is no sign of life. We can’t reach them. We are trying to talk to them, but they are not responding … We are waiting for help. It has been 48 hours now.”

Authorities have said about 13.5 million people have been affected in Turkey. Aid officials were particularly alarmed, however, by the situation in Syria, already devastated by 11 years of a civil war that has hugely complicated relief efforts.

The EU on Wednesday confirmed it would send €3.5m (£3.1m) in aid to Syria, currently subject to sanctions by the bloc, after Damascus officially requested assistance on Wednesday. The EU is also sending an initial €3m in aid to Turkey.

The European commissioner for crisis management, Janez Lenarčič, said the commission was also “encouraging” EU member countries to respond to Damascus’s request for medical supplies and food while monitoring to ensure that any aid was “not diverted” by Bashar al-Assad’s government. (The Guardian)

The post Turkey and Syria earthquake death toll passes 15,000 appeared first on Newswire.

Rescuers in Turkey and Syria battled bitter cold Tuesday in a race against time to find survivors under buildings flattened by an earthquake that killed more than 7,800 people.

Tremors that inflicted more suffering on a border area, already plagued by conflict, left people on the streets burning debris to try to stay warm as international aid began to arrive.

But some extraordinary survival tales have emerged, including a newborn baby pulled alive from rubble in Syria, still tied by her umbilical cord to her mother who died in Monday’s quake.

“We heard a voice while we were digging,” Khalil al-Suwadi, a relative, told AFP. “We cleared the dust and found the baby with the umbilical cord (intact) so we cut it and my cousin took her to hospital.”

The infant is the sole survivor of her immediate family, the rest of whom were killed in the rebel-held town of Jindayris.

The 7.8-magnitude quake struck Monday as people slept, flattening thousands of structures, trapping an unknown number of people and potentially impacting millions.

Whole rows of buildings collapsed, leaving some of the heaviest devastations near the quake’s epicentre between the Turkish cities of Gaziantep and Kahramanmaras.

The destruction led to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declaring Tuesday a three-month state of emergency in 10 southeastern provinces.

– ‘Children are freezing’ –

Dozens of nations including the United States, China and the Gulf States have pledged to help, and search teams as well as relief supplies have begun to arrive by air.

Yet people in some of the hardest-hit areas said they felt they had been left to fend for themselves.

“I can’t get my brother back from the ruins. I can’t get my nephew back. Look around here. There is no state official here, for God’s sake,” said Ali Sagiroglu in the Turkish city of Kahramanmaras.

“For two days we haven’t seen the state around here… Children are freezing from the cold,” he added.

A winter storm has compounded the misery by rendering many roads — some of them damaged by the quake — almost impassable, resulting in traffic jams that stretch for kilometres in some regions.

The cold rain and snow are a risk both for people forced from their homes — who took refuge in mosques, schools or even bus shelters — and survivors buried under debris.

“It is now a race against time,” said World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

“We have activated the WHO network of emergency medical teams to provide essential health care for the injured and most vulnerable,” he added.

– 23 million could be affected –

The latest toll showed 5,434 people killed in Turkey and at least 1,872 in Syria, for a combined total of 7,306 fatalities.

There are fears that the toll will rise inexorably, with WHO officials estimating up to 20,000 may have died.

WHO warned that up to 23 million people could be affected by the massive earthquake and urged nations to rush help to the disaster zone.

The Syrian Red Crescent appealed to Western countries to lift sanctions and provide aid as President Bashar al-Assad’s government remains a pariah in the West, complicating international relief efforts.

Washington and the European Commission said on Monday that humanitarian programmes supported by them were responding to the destruction in Syria.

The UN’s cultural agency UNESCO also said it was ready to provide assistance after two sites listed on its World Heritage list in Syria and Turkey sustained damage.

In addition to the damage to Aleppo’s old city and the fortress in the southeastern Turkish city of Diyarbakir, UNESCO said at least three other World Heritage sites could be affected.

Much of the quake-hit area of northern Syria has already been decimated by years of war and aerial bombardment by Syrian and Russian forces that destroyed homes, hospitals and clinics.

Residents in the quake-devastated town of Jandairis in northern Syria used their bare hands and pickaxes to search for survivors. (NDTV)

The post Over 7,800 killed in Turkey, Syria earthquake appeared first on Newswire.

The Sri Lanka Embassy in Turkey has announced emergency hotlines to inquire about or provide information on Sri Lankans living in Turkey, following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the country yesterday. 

Over 4300 people are reported to have died in both Turkey and Syria due to the earthquake, while thousands more are reportedly injured, with some trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.

The Sri Lanka Embassy in Turkey has announced emergency hotlines 00903124271032 and 00905344569498 to inquire about or provide information on Sri Lankans living in Turkey.

Sri Lankan Ambassador in Ankara Hasanthi Dissanayake revealed that 15 Sri Lankans who were in the core area of the earthquake in Turkey are confirmed safe. 

The public requiring information on Sri Lankans residing in Turkey is requested to contact the Sri Lankan Embassy in Turkey via the said hotlines. (NewsWire)

The post SL Embassy in Turkey introduces hotlines for emergency inquiries appeared first on Newswire.

Rescuers in Turkey and Syria dug with their bare hands through the freezing night Tuesday hunting for survivors among the rubble of thousands of buildings felled in a series of violent earthquakes.

The confirmed death toll across the two countries has soared above 4,300 after a swarm of strong tremors near the Turkey-Syria border — the largest of which measured at a massive 7.8-magnitude.

Turkish and Syrian disaster response teams report more than 5,600 buildings have been flattened across several cities, including many multi-storey apartment blocks that were filled with sleeping residents when the first quake struck.

In the city of Kahramanmaras in southeastern Turkey, eyewitnesses struggled to comprehend the scale of the disaster.

“We thought it was the apocalypse,” said Melisa Salman, a 23-year-old reporter. “That was the first time we have ever experienced anything like that.”

Turkey’s relief agency AFAD on Tuesday said there were now 2,921 deaths in that country alone, bringing the confirmed tally to 4,365.

There are fears that toll will rise inexorably, with World Health Organization officials estimating up to 20,000 may have died.

In Gaziantep, a Turkish city home to countless refugees from Syria’s decade-old civil war, rescuers picking through the rubble screamed, cried and clamoured for safety as another building collapsed nearby without warning.

The initial earthquake was so large it was felt as far away as Greenland, and the impact is big enough to have sparked a global response.

Dozens of nations from Ukraine to New Zealand have vowed to send help, although freezing rain and sub-zero temperatures have slowed the response.

In the southeastern Turkish city of Sanliurfa, rescuers were working into the night to try and pull survivors from the wreckage of a seven-storey building that had collapsed.

“There is a family I know under the rubble,” said 20-year-old Syrian student Omer El Cuneyd.

“Until 11:00 am or noon, my friend was still answering the phone. But she no longer answers. She is down there.”

Despite freezing temperatures outside, terrified residents spent the night on the streets, huddling around fires for warmth.

Mustafa Koyuncu packed his wife and their five children into their car, too scared to move.

“We can’t go home,” the 55-year-old told AFP. “Everyone is afraid.”

Some of the heaviest devastation occurred near the quake’s epicentre between Kahramanmaras and Gaziantep, where entire city blocks lay in ruins under gathering snow.

– ‘Apocalypse’ –

Monday’s first earthquake struck at 4:17am (0117 GMT) at a depth of about 18 kilometres (11 miles) near the Turkish city of Gaziantep, which is home to around two million people, the US Geological Survey said.

More than 14,000 people have so far been reported injured in Turkey, the disaster management agency said, while Syria said at least 3,411 people were injured.

Officials said three major airports have been rendered inoperable, complicating deliveries of vital aid.

A winter blizzard has covered major roads into the area in ice and snow.

Much of the quake-hit area of northern Syria has already been decimated by years of war and aerial bombardment by Syrian and Russia forces that destroyed homes, hospitals and clinics.

The conflict is already shaping the emergency response, with Syria’s envoy to the United Nations Bassam Sabbagh seemingly ruling out reopening border crossings that would allow aid to reach areas controlled by rebel groups.

The Syrian health ministry reported damage across the provinces of Aleppo, Latakia, Hama and Tartus, where Russia is leasing a naval facility.

Even before the tragedy, buildings in Aleppo — Syria’s pre-war commercial hub — often collapsed due to the dilapidated infrastructure, which has suffered from a lack of wartime oversight.

Officials cut off natural gas and power supplies across the region as a precaution, also closing schools for two weeks.

The UN cultural agency UNESCO expressed fears over heavy damage in two cities on its heritage list — Aleppo in Syria and Diyarbakir in Turkey.

At a jail holding mostly Islamic State group members in northwestern Syria, prisoners mutinied after the quakes, with at least 20 escaping, a source at the facility told AFP.

The United States, the European Union and Russia all immediately sent condolences and offers of help.

President Joe Biden promised his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the United States will send “any and all” aid needed to help recover from a devastating earthquake.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also offered to provide “the necessary assistance” to Turkey, whose combat drones are helping Kyiv fight the Russian invasion.

Turkey is in one of the world’s most active earthquake zones.

The country’s last 7.8-magnitude tremor was in 1939, when 33,000 died in the eastern Erzincan province.

The Turkish region of Duzce suffered a 7.4-magnitude earthquake in 1999, when more than 17,000 people died.

Experts have long warned a large quake could devastate Istanbul, a megalopolis of 16 million people filled with rickety homes. (NDTV)

The post “Apocalypse”: Quake kills over 4,300 in Turkey, Syria appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry has offered the assistance of rescue services to the Foreign Minister of Turkiye following the two earthquakes that struck the country today (6).

The President’s Media Division (PMD) stated that Sri Lanka has offered its assistance on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Turkiye has revealed that the 09 Sri Lankans who were living where the 7.8 magnitude quake struck in Turkiye are safe.

The Sri Lankan Embassy stated that 08 out of the 9 Sri Lankans living in the earthquake-affected areas have been traced.

Sri Lankan Ambassador in Ankara Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake stated that, however, the remaining Sri Lankan is yet to be located.

She stated that even though he was a resident of the apartment complex that collapsed due to the earthquake, he was not at home at the time of the incident and is yet to be contacted.

“As of now, we know that all nine of them are safe. We have received reports on eight of them and we were informed that the ninth person was living in one of the collapsed buildings. But later we came to know that that person was not in the building at the time of its collapse,” she said. 

The Ambassador stated that they are still unaware of the exact location of that person and that they are working on obtaining those details through the disaster management agency in that country. “That is all the information we have for now,” she said.

According to CNN, more than 1,500 people have been killed and thousands more injured after a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey and Syria early on Monday.

The quake, one of the strongest to hit the region in more than 100 years, struck 23 kilometers (14.2 miles) east of Nurdagi, in Turkey’s Gaziantep province, at a depth of 24.1 kilometers, the US Geological Survey said.

Multiple strong aftershocks have been felt across the region for hours after the first quake, including a severe quake measuring magnitude 7.5.

Turkey’s disaster agency appealed for help from the international community as it conducts search and rescue operations. (NewsWire)

The post Turkey Earthquake: Update on Lankans in Turkey as SL offers rescue service assistance appeared first on Newswire.

At least 118 people were killed in two countries after one of the strongest earthquakes to hit Turkey in more than 100 years sent tremors across the region, collapsing buildings and sending residents running into the streets.

The 7.8-magnitude quake struck just after 4 a.m. Monday morning local time, 23 kilometers (14.2 miles) east of Nurdagi, Gaziantep province, at a depth of 24.1 kilometers (14.9 miles), the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. 

Nurdagi is located along the Turkey-Syria border, and the quake was felt in several countries across the region, including Syria and Lebanon.

At least 76 people were killed and more than 440 injured in Turkey, according to the country’s disaster management agency AFAD. In neighboring Syria, at least 42 people died and around 200 more were injured, Syrian state-run news agency SANA reported, citing a Health Ministry official.

In Syria, the deaths were reported in Aleppo, Hama and Latakia, SANA said. Dozens of people are trapped under rubble, according to the “White Helmets” group, officially known as Syria Civil Defense.

The quake struck before daybreak on Monday, when residents were likely asleep and unprepared for the impact. A video from Turkey shared on social media showed dozens of collapsed buildings, while frightened residents huddled on the darkened streets amid the chaos. Rescue workers can be seen conducting search-and-rescue operations by flashlight.

Monday’s quake is believed to be the strongest to hit Turkey since 1939, when an earthquake of the same magnitude killed 30,000 people, according to the USGS. Earthquakes of this magnitude are rare, with fewer than five occurring each year on average, anywhere in the world. Seven quakes with magnitude 7.0 or greater have struck Turkey in the past 25 years – but Monday’s is the most powerful.

Search-and-rescue teams have been dispatched to the south of the country, Turkey’s interior minister, Suleyman Soylu, said. AFAD, the disaster agency, said it had requested international help through the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), the European Union’s humanitarian program.

Nearly 1,000 search and rescue volunteers have been deployed from Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul, according to its governor Ali Yerlikaya.

Strong aftershocks have been felt in southern and central Turkey. About 11 minutes after the main quake hit, the strongest aftershock of 6.7-magnitude hit about 32 kilometers (20 miles) northwest of the main quake’s epicenter. Another intense aftershock with a magnitude of 5.6 then occurred 19 minutes after the main quake.

Video from the city of Diyarbakir, to the northeast of Gaziantep, shows rescue workers frantically trying to pull survivors out of the rubble. (CNN)

The post WATCH: Apartment block collapses as 7.8 magnitude earthquake hits Turkey appeared first on Newswire.