Speaking at the Malatya AFAD Coordination Center, Minister Mahmut Özer said that the governors, the 2nd Army, the Gendarmerie, the AFAD Presidency, the Red Crescent, Police Department, NGOs and mayors manage the processes in coordination. Özer stated that in addition to the need for food, drink and shelter the needs of especially the women and children are met in a sustainable way.

 

Expressing that the Ministry reaches citizens at all points including the ones in assembly and tent centers, Özer stated that they can easily reach the neighborhoods, villages and all districts. Thanking everyone for sending aid, Özer said that will overcome this process quickly by using all available means of the state.

 

Emphasizing that the President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan gave all kinds of instructions from the very beginning of the process and that the Ministers are actively working in the field, Minister Özer underlined that all the units of the state are actively on the field and everyone is making an effort. Özer expressed his gratitude to everyone working in the field.

 

Stating that The Ministry is working in a very large area, Özer noted that logistical support and other mechanisms are very effective in all quake-hit districts and villages.

 

Pointing out that as the Ministry, they provide accommodation to 450 thousand citizens in dormitories, schools, hostels, practice hotels, regional boarding secondary schools and teacher's houses in the ten quake-hit provinces, Minister Özer underlined that this number will increase gradually. Informing that 7 thousand 46 volunteer teachers are currently providing support in the field, Özer underlined that approximately 2 thousand psychological counselors and guidance teachers provide intensive support to citizens especially to women and children in ten quake-hit provinces. Emphasizing that 4 thousand 136 teachers from the search and rescue unit which was established in cooperation with the Ministry of National Education and AFAD about two years ago, continue their search and rescue efforts in these provinces, Özer stressed that as of now, they have produced 700 thousand breads per day and distributed to ten provinces and they plan to increase this number to 1 million by the weekend. Stating that they have produced hot meals for 800 thousand people in food and beverage production centers of vocational education institutions, practice hotels and teacher's houses and dispatched 400 thousand food items and 60 mobile kitchens to the region, Özer thanked all the teachers and administrators who worked hard. Özer stated that they will overcome this process in an organized manner.