Turkish Red Crescent : We have a shortage of tents to deliver to the earthquake region

The president of the Turkish Red Crescent has admitted to problems in coordination and a shortage of tents following criticism in the wake of the Van earthquake, but has defended the agency’s stock policy.

“Under normal circumstances, we have never faced such a great demand for tents in any disaster. But people are refusing to go to the tent-cities we established and are asking to pitch tents in their gardens. We sent two-thirds of our tent stocks to Van,” Ahmet Lütfi Akar said yesterday at a press conference.

The Turkish Red Crescent was criticized after the Van quake for allegedly failing in its relief efforts. Many especially concentrated their criticism on tent shortages and poor coordination in the disaster area. Akar said people could not stay in their houses because of aftershocks but wanted to pitch tents outside their homes.

“We need 120,000 tents to supply the demand,” Akar said. “It’s [not feasible] to keep this number of tents according to disaster management.”

Akar admitted to poor coordination in relief efforts in the wake of the quake but said they solved the problems later on. “There is no poor organization in Van and Erciş. Our government, NGOs and the Turkish Red Crescent are working. After tents are supplied, our citizens will be relieved.”

October 26, 2011
SOURCE: Hürriyet Daily News