World Bank to provide USD 1.78 bn to Turkey for relief

The World Bank has announced providing USD 1.78 billion in assistance to Turkey to help with relief and recovery efforts after devastating earthquakes in Turkey and neighbouring Syria. The death toll following the earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday has risen to 21,051, CNN reported citing authorities. At least 78,124 people in Syria and Turkey were injured after the quakes, CNN cited the figures from the Turkish government, the White Helmets and Syrian state media. The World Bank in a press release said that it has started a rapid damage assessment to estimate the magnitude of the disaster and identify priority areas for recovery and reconstruction support, based on its extensive experience in disaster risk management from around the world. “The World Bank announced today $1.78 billion in assistance to help relief and recovery efforts following devastating earthquakes and aftershocks in Turkiye that have already resulted in massive loss of life, injuries, and very significant damages in and around southeastern Turkiye,” the World Bank has announced in a statement. World Bank Group President David Malpass expressed condolences to the people of Turkey and Syria. Malpass stated that they are providing immediate assistance and preparing a rapid assessment of the needs on the ground. “On behalf of the World Bank Group, we express our deepest condolences to the people of Turkiye and Syria for the great loss you have suffered as a result of the devastating earthquakes,” said World Bank Group President David Malpass said. “We are providing immediate assistance and preparing a rapid assessment of the urgent and massive needs on the ground. This will identify priority areas for the country’s recovery and reconstruction as we prepare operations to support those needs,” David Malpass added. According to World Bank’s press release, the assistance of USD 780 million is offered through Contingent Emergency Response Components (CERCs) from two existing p