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The death toll from the earthquake that struck the Kurdish province of Van last weekend has risen to nearly 600 with more than 4,000 people injured. Thousands are homeless and at the mercy of sub-zero temperatures at night.
The Turkish government has been widely criticised on several counts:
- There would have been fewer deaths if there was less sub-standard and unlicensed construction and more decent housing.
- Victims are angry at the government’s slow response – many went for days without even tents.
- For several days the government blocked most foreign aid – only now is it being allowed in.
Van city council has appealed to the three main city councils in the south of Kurdistan for help and the Kurdistan International Campaign (KIC) has called on the Kurdistan parliament and Iraqi parliament to assist the needy people of Van province. President Barzani has reportedly donated $1 million and the KIC has called on all Kurdish MPs to give as much as possible to help their suffering fellow Kurds and other victims across the border.
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