THE World Bank has announced US$1.7 billion (RM7.4 billion) in new assistance for Turkey to help the country recover from the recent devastating earthquake and aftershocks, according to a statement released yesterday.

“The World Bank announced today US$1.78 billion in assistance to help relief and recovery efforts following the devastating earthquake and aftershocks in Turkey that have already resulted in massive loss of life, injuries, and very significant damages in and around south-eastern Turkey,” the statement said, reported Sputnik.

The World Bank will also start a rapid damage assessment to identify specific areas where it can support Turkey’s reconstruction efforts going forward.

Immediate assistance totalling US$780 million will be offered to Turkey through the Contingent Emergency Response Components and an additional US$1 billion is being prepared to support those affected by the earthquake, the global financial institution said.

“On behalf of the World Bank Group, we express our deepest condolences to the people of Turkey and Syria for the great loss you have suffered as a result of the devastating earthquakes,” its president David Malpass said in the statement.

The death toll from Monday’s quake and ongoing aftershocks in Turkey and Syria has exceeded 21,000, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority. – Bernama, February 10, 2023.