The UK's Development Minister, Andrew Mitchell, visited Turkey over the weekend to witness the impact of the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
Mr Mitchell is the first UK minister to visit the disaster zone since the February 6th quake, which has killed at least 44,000 in Turkey and Syria. He met Syria's White Helmets during the visit.
Development Minister Andrew Mitchell said:
"We have been working since day one of this terrible earthquake to help coordinate the emergency response in both Turkey and Syria and provide life-saving support to those who need it.
As this evolving situation heads into a new phase from rescue to recovery, I’ve seen first-hand the incredible efforts on the ground at the field hospital, with UK medical teams providing live-saving operations, including to those rescued from under the rubble.
The British public’s response to the Disasters and Emergency Committee appeal, which has now reached a staggering £88 million, underlines the strong support from the UK for rescue and recovery following this tragic event.
I have seen and heard today how this extraordinary generosity has enabled British expertise, charities and NGOs to scale up their support and make a real difference to the people of Turkey and Syria."