France, Greece among countries offering aid following devastating İzmir quake

France and Greece were among the first to offer support to Turkey following a deadly earthquake that shook the Aegean province of İzmir. The European Commission and NATO have also reached out in support of Ankara following the natural disaster.

Duvar English

France and Greece were among the countries who offered support for Turkey's Aegean İzmir following a 6.6 magnitude quake on Oct. 30.

Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said the quake occurred at 2.51 p.m. local time (1151GMT) at a depth of 16.54 kilometers (around 10 miles).

Meanwhile, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) placed the magnitude at 7.0, and aftershocks continue to jolt the region.

"France stands alongside the Turkish and Greek peoples to face this terrible ordeal. If the governments of these countries so wish, French aid can be immediately dispatched on the spot," French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on Twitter.

Ankara's relationship with France has been increasingly strained in recent weeks as the leaders of the two countries have been brawling over French President Emmanuel Macron's harsh stance against what he calls İslamist separatism, which he says is infecting French society.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan, offering condolences after a strong earthquake felt in both countries killed civilians on the Turkish side.

"Whatever our differences, these are times when our people need to stand together," Mitsotakis wrote on Twitter.

Tensions are running high between the two neighbors over rights over areas of the eastern Mediterranean thought to be rich in natural resources.

The United States Embassy also extended condolences about the earthquake, offering communication information that citizens could call for help in the area.

The Russian Embassy also conveyed their well wishes for the victims of the tragedy.

"We hope for minimal loss of life," the embassy added.

“Closely following the developments of the strong earthquake that hit the Aegean Sea off Greece and Turkey,” European Council President Charles Michel wrote on Twitter. “My thoughts are with all the people affected.”

Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, also took to Twitter to show support.

“We are following the situation and we stand ready to help, in all possible ways,” she wrote.

NATO’s secretary-general said the alliance stands ready to help “its allies Greece and Turkey.”

“I am deeply saddened by the reports from the earthquake in the #Aegean. My thoughts go to all those affected,” Jens Stoltenberg said on Twitter.

Azerbaijan's Prime Minister Ali Asadov also reportedly offered support to Vice President Fuat Oktay on the phone.

Rescue workers continue searching for survivors after strong earthquake in İzmirRescue workers continue searching for survivors after strong earthquake in İzmir
Topics İzmir Turkey-Greece relations France Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis AFAD Greece-Turkey National Disaster and Emergency Management Authority France-Turkey