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THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary (Ankara,
Turkey)
For
Immediate Release |
November 15, 1999 |
FACT SHEET U.S. ASSISTANCE FOLLOWING
TURKEY EARTHQUAKE
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The U.S. continues to lead international relief efforts in
Turkey following the devastating earthquake on August 17, which killed 17,000
and left an estimated 400,000 people displaced. Today, the U.S. announces the
donation of 500 tents that will provide winterized shelter for 10,000 people.
This new donation is in addition to the $14.5 million that was provided in the
immediate aftermath of the earthquake
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The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) deployed
two search and rescue teams immediately following the quake. The teams, from
Virginia and Florida fire departments, worked with Turkish and other
international teams to rescue survivors trapped in the rubble. Before
departing, the U.S. teams donated rescue equipment, medical supplies and
vehicles to Turkish rescue workers and trained them on their use.
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The U.S. military sent the USS Kearsarge Amphibious Ready
Group to support Turkish relief efforts. The three naval ships brought 2200
marines and 22 helicopters to help deliver relief supplies and address public
health and shelter needs. The U.S. military also donated 7,023 tents, and
worked with Turkish authorities to establish tent camps.
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A 16-member USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART)
worked closely with local authorities and the U.S. military to conduct shelter,
health, water and sanitation assessments; coordinate U.S. military
transportation and distribution of relief supplies; prioritize tent camp sites;
and advise local organizations on the proper use of plastic sheeting for
shelter.
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Other U.S. donations include 700 rolls of plastic sheeting,
30,000 blankets, medicine and medical supplies, water containers and 200
portable latrines. In addition, USAID deployed three water purification units
that helped provide clean water until normal service was restored. The
Department of Defense is also donating spare parts to help repair the Golcuk
naval base, which was heavily damaged by the earthquake.
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The U.S. has begun a variety of broader efforts to help
improve emergency preparedness, increase foreign investment and support
Turkey's economic recovery. USAID and the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) will sign a protocol with the Government of Turkey on cooperation in
emergency management and disaster mitigation. This joint effort should help
streamline future disaster responses. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency
will also sponsor a Turkey reconstruction conference in December.
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The U.S. will strongly support additional multilateral
reconstruction and economic assistance for Turkey in international
fora.
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