wfn.org | ADRA Continues Relieving Needs Of Survivors In Turkey

["Christian B. Schäffler" <APD_Info_Schweiz@compuserve.com>]

October 1, 1999
Adventist Press Service (APD)
Christian B. Schaeffler, Editor-in-chief
Fax +41-61-261 61 18
APD@stanet.ch
http://www.stanet.ch/APD
CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland

ADRA Continues Relieving Needs Of Survivors In Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey. (APD)   With thousands still living 
in make-shift shelters outside their home towns in Turkey 
following the earthquake last month, the Adventist 
Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) continues to provide 
for the needs of thousands of survivors. 

ADRA staff and volunteers distributed six truckloads of tents, 
blankets, sleeping bags, chemical toilets, water, powdered 
milk, soap and other necessities over the past two weeks to 
several locations surrounding Izmit and Gölcük. Most 
deliveries by ADRA go to the current 15 tent cities in Gölcük 
and several outside of Izmit, reports Alex Balint, public 
relations officer of ADRA operations in Turkey. Over the past 
two weeks, ADRA distributed more than 4,000 hygiene kits, 
3,100 baby kits, and 5,700 blankets to these tent cities.

ADRA's Czech Republic staff also assisted in the distribution of 
supplies. One such delivery organized by ADRA Czech 
delegate Victor Milis was made to the South African mobile 
medical team led by Dr. Madeline Beerens. The medical team 
currently operates in Gölcük. Milis provided them with hygiene 
items, tents and sleeping equipment, as they desperately 
needed new accommodation facilities. 

"The clearing of rubble, the provision of shelter for survivors, 
and the distribution of relief aid are still serious problems 
throughout the quake-devastated region," says Balint. "The 
remains of ruined houses stand waiting for equipment to 
come and clear them away."

The city governor recently announced that the local 
municipality is working to bring the 15 tent cities together, 
forming three large tent settlements. The more concentrated 
areas will allow for better organized communities that will 
facilitate the opening of schools, although the start of the 
academic year was postponed following the 5.8 tremor that 
struck on the first day of school, September 13.

"Last Monday's aftershock added panic to the already 
distraught region," adds Balint. "Again millions in the Marmara 
Region and in Istanbul found themselves having to spend the 
night in parks and open areas."

ADRA International, a non-profit organization based in Silver 
Spring, Maryland, continues to accept monetary donations for 
the relief efforts in Turkey. (Editor: Beth Schaefer from ADRA 
for APD)