Saudi Arabia Among Top Donors Responding to Turkiye Earthquakes

Saudi KSrelief distributes aid to those affected by the earthquake in the Turkish state of Hatay (SPA)
Saudi KSrelief distributes aid to those affected by the earthquake in the Turkish state of Hatay (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Among Top Donors Responding to Turkiye Earthquakes

Saudi KSrelief distributes aid to those affected by the earthquake in the Turkish state of Hatay (SPA)
Saudi KSrelief distributes aid to those affected by the earthquake in the Turkish state of Hatay (SPA)

Saudi Arabia has been named one of the largest donors of humanitarian aid to Turkiye following the recent earthquakes.

In a statement, the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) thanked donors who contributed $268 million in response to the US$1 billion humanitarian funding appeal for Turkiye following the earthquakes.

OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke confirmed that the appeal was funded by 27% and that the largest donors were Saudi Arabia, the United States, Kuwait, the European Commission, and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, urging countries to provide support and contribute to financing the appeal.

Laerke said: "United Nations humanitarian agencies have reached more than 4.1 million people with non-food aid, and 3 million people with emergency food assistance, while more than 700,000 people have received support to improve their living quarters, including tents, relief housing units, and tents repair tools."

He added that 1.6 million people received water and sanitation assistance and hygiene, and about 1 million liters of drinking water were delivered.

The UN official pointed out that the Turkish Ministry of Health has been supported with 4.6 million vaccine doses, and 16 mobile health clinics, in addition to medicines and medical supplies for reproductive health and treatment of trauma and injuries.



Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)

The last group of pilgrims from this year’s Hajj season departed Saudi Arabia on Sunday aboard a Saudia flight from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The flight carried 320 pilgrims to Kertajati, Indonesia, after they completed their Hajj rituals. Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, hosted a farewell ceremony, concluding its 74-day Hajj operations.

The first flight for this year’s Hajj season arrived in Madinah on May 9 from India with 283 pilgrims.

They were welcomed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Saudi Arabia facilitated 7,700 flights through six airports and provided over 27,000 buses to ease pilgrim transportation. The Haramain High-Speed Railway operated more than 5,000 trips during the season.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the last Hajj season. Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed there were no health issues or outbreaks.

The organization of Hajj was praised by leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the excellent organization and services provided to millions of pilgrims.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the meticulous organization and services.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appreciated the modern smart services and technologies.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management.