The Belarusian Ministry of Defense extends condolences to Turkey after the earthquake
The Ministry of Belarus publicly offered its condolences to the people of Turkey in the wake of the catastrophic earthquake. This message appeared on the Belarusian military information channel and reflects the stance of state agencies in Belarus during a moment of shared distress across the region.
In its official remarks, the Belarusian Ministry of Defense stated that it stands with the Turkish people in their time of grief. The release conveyed sincere sympathies and deep compassion, underscoring that the ministry does not ignore the suffering caused by natural disaster and that it recognizes the pain felt by families who have lost loved ones, as well as those injured in the disaster. The message also highlighted the ministry’s support for the relatives of the deceased and its wishes for a swift and complete recovery for all who were hurt.
The ministry noted that Belarusians expressed solidarity by leaving a message in the open condolence book at the Turkish embassy. This gesture symbolizes a shared sense of sorrow and a communal desire to offer comfort to the Turkish people during a period of tragedy that has affected neighboring countries and beyond.
Earlier updates from Turkey reported a rising death toll as the rescue and relief efforts continued. The Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, confirmed that the number of fatalities reached into the tens of thousands, with the toll climbing to 19,388 in a recent count, reflecting the gravity of the catastrophe and the urgent need for international assistance and coordinated relief operations.
Separately, the humanitarian response from the wider community included private philanthropy aimed at alleviating the immediate hardships faced by those affected. Hasan Payker, an online public figure operating under the pseudonym HasanAbi, organized a fundraising drive to aid Turkish and Syrian residents impacted by the earthquakes. In a short span of days, the initiative gathered more than one million U.S. dollars, illustrating the networked generosity of online audiences and the capacity of charitable campaigns to mobilize rapid financial support for disaster relief efforts. This outpouring of aid complemented official relief channels and underscored the global sense of responsibility toward communities in need.
In summary, the Belarusian Ministry of Defense issued a formal expression of sympathy to Turkey, reaffirming readiness to stand with the Turkish people as they navigate the aftermath of a devastating event. The response from Turkey’s leadership and the international community, including voluntary fundraising campaigns, reflects a multifaceted approach to crisis management that combines official diplomacy, public mourning, and humanitarian aid to support those affected by the earthquake.