Mehak Sharma, New Delhi and Jasmine Khan, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

On February 6, 2023, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 struck Turkey and Syria, causing significant damage and loss of life. Another earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 occurred nine hours later, centered 95 km to the north-northeast in Kahramanmaras Province of Turkey. The earthquakes caused widespread damage and as of February 19, 2023, there have been more than 47,400 recorded fatalities, with Turkey accounting for over 41,000 and Syria recording over 6,400. Turkey and Syria needs prayer and blessings from all of us as this earthquake had a devastating impact and Turkey had to declare an emergency period of 3 months. As news of the disaster spread, countries around the world stepped up to provide relief and aid to those affected. Among the countries that offered assistance were India and South Korea, who worked together to provide much-needed aid to the affected areas.

India and South Korea quickly pledged to work together to provide relief to the affected areas, which included emergency medical supplies, food, and other essential goods. The two countries also dispatched relief teams to the region, consisting of doctors, paramedics, and other professionals with expertise in disaster relief and management.

As immediate response, the Indian government launched “Operation Dost,” a relief effort aimed at providing assistance to those affected by the disaster. The operation was carried out by the Indian Air Force (IAF), which dispatched a C-17 Globemaster aircraft carrying 36 tons of relief material, including tents, blankets, and food supplies, to the affected areas. The aircraft also transported a team of 52 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel to assist with rescue and relief efforts. Operation Dost marked the first time that the IAF had carried out a disaster relief operation in the region, and it was warmly welcomed by the governments of Turkey and Syria. The Indian government has a history of providing assistance to countries in need, and Operation Dost was a continuation of this tradition.

_{Picture Credits: Wikipedia}

On the other hand, Korea also sent a team of 118 Disaster relief personnel, which arrived in Turkey on 08/02/23 (Wednesday). 60 personnel are from National Fire Agency and Korea International Cooperation Agency, and some 50 military personnel. Korea has provided medical supplies and $5 million humanitarian assistance to Turkey. A public-private joint council for overseas emergency relief for Turkey was held by the Foreign Minister Park Jin. The 118-member rescue team, the largest-ever sent by Korea for emergency overseas rescue work. A special travel advisory for six provinces in Turkey’s southeastern region, including Kahramanmaras, Hatay, Malatya and Adiyaman has been issued by Korea after the earthquake. The South Korean Team is operating on various sites affected by earthquake including southeastern city of Gaziantep (one of the hardest hit areas). The Korean government has shown full willingness to send aid to Syria as soon as international organizations announce the scope of aid the country will need.

Numerous major companies in South Korea have contributed to the relief efforts by donating funds and providing aid. Samsung Electronics has donated $1.5 billion to the relief fund, as well as tools and $1.5 billion worth of repair vehicles for home appliances. Hyundai Motor Group has pledged to give Turkey $1.8 million, with its Turkish subsidiary offering $537,000 worth of humanitarian aid. The group has also pledged to donate $20,000 to Syria. SK Group has promised to donate $1 million to both Turkey and Syria through the Community Chest of Korea. LG Electronics has donated $1 million to the Korean Red Cross, as well as providing supplies for the relief effort through its Turkish unit. E-Land Group has pledged to donate clothing items and shoes worth $1.82 million as relief items. Finally, Musinsa has donated winter clothing worth 380 million won to survivors in Turkey. These contributions from South Korean companies demonstrate their willingness to help those affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

The second KDRT dispatch comprises of a group of 21 individuals, including 2 officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 10 medical professionals from the National Medical Center, the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare and the Ministry of National Defense, 5 representatives from KOICA, and 4 other members from civil emergency relief organizations. South Korea has pledged to provide urgent humanitarian aid of $1 million to Syria, which will be distributed through the United Nations.

_{Picture Credits: The Korea Times}

And as we say that “Not all heroes wear capes”, many Korean celebrities came forward to extend their help through donations. Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association has received various funds from celebrities like Im Si-wan (10 million won), WINNER’s Kim Jin-woo (10 million won), Yoo In-na (30 million won), Shin Min-a (50 million won), Park Bo-young (30 million won), SEVENTEEN’s S.Coup’s (20 million won) and Kim Sejeong (40 million won), MC Mong (100 million won). Following their donations of 100 million won each to the Korean Committee for UNICEF by Ji Chang-wook, J-Hope, and Jimin of BTS; these funds will be utilised to provide children in affected regions with essential necessities such as education, food, water, and protection. Additionally, HYBE entertainment has donated ₩500 million KRW to the Save the Children NGO, while SM has contributed ₩200 million through the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association, demonstrating the Korean people’s commitment to supporting those affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. JYP Entertainment and Jung Ryeo-won each made a donation of 50 million won to World Vision NGO for providing basic equipment, food and water facilities etc. in Turkey and Syria. All of these funds will be used to provide medical facilities, housing, clothing and other basic necessities.

Additionally, Chungha made a donation of 20 million won to the Korean Red Cross by the name of Byulharang (her fandom name). To the same organisation, Jang Sung Kyu and DinDin donated 23 million won and 10 million won respectively. BTOB’s Eunkwang and GOT7’s JayB have made the donations of 10 million won and 60 million won respectively to ChildFund Korea. GOT7’s Park Jinyoung has also donated 30 million through a NGO known as Save the Children. Yang Dong-geun personally donated 10 million won at the Turkish Embassy in Korea. Figure skating champion Kim Yuna donated $100,000 USD. Park Seo-joon, Kim Hye-soo, Han Ji-min and Jang Geun-suk each have made a donation of 100 million won. Girls Day’s Hyeri also donated 50 million won to this organisation. NCT’s Doyoung and Mark donated 100 million and 150 million won respectively for providing basic necessities to the people affected by earthquake.

One of the key aspects of India-Korea relief efforts was the deployment of advanced technology to help locate survivors and coordinate relief efforts. South Korea’s technology companies developed cutting-edge sensors, cameras, and drones that were used to identify survivors trapped under debris, as well as to assess the extent of damage in the affected areas. India, on the other hand, contributed its expertise in using satellite imagery and geographic information systems (GIS) to map the affected areas, assess the damage, and coordinate relief efforts.

In addition to these efforts, the governments of India and South Korea also launched public awareness campaigns to encourage donations and support for the relief efforts. Both countries encouraged their citizens to contribute generously to the relief funds and to support the affected communities in any way possible. These campaigns helped raise significant amounts of money, which was used to provide essential relief supplies and to help rebuild damaged infrastructure.

No act of kindness is too small, and every effort makes a difference. Let us come together in solidarity with the people of Turkey and Syria during this difficult time and show them that they are not alone. The need for humanitarian aid, medical assistance, and basic necessities is urgent, and we must act quickly to provide relief to those who are suffering. If you are in a position to give, please consider making a donation to reputable relief organizations working on the ground in Turkey and Syria. Your generosity can provide essential supplies, shelter, and medical care to those who have been impacted by this disaster. Overall, India-Korea relief efforts in response to the Turkey-Syria earthquake were a testament to the two countries’ commitment to working together to help those in need, and a demonstration of the power of technology and collaboration in responding to humanitarian crises.

Together, we can make a positive impact and help to rebuild and restore the communities affected by this disaster.