Shipping giant Maersk has donated 1,000 boxes to Turkey to aid those most impacted by the seismic earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on 6 February.
According to the company, the action was taken after continued communication with Turkey’s State Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).
Maersk noted that the first containers are already being converted into container houses that will be ready to be deployed to the affected areas in the coming weeks.
In a released statement, the company said: “We are looking to furnish around 1,000 into houses and others we are providing directly – all in accordance with the needs in the impacted areas.
“Additionally, there are other ongoing initiatives where we allow the use of our containers for shipment of aid and humanitarian goods.”
Maersk CEO, Vincent Clerc, said: “Our thoughts are with the people, rescuers, and agencies on the ground working through this devastating disaster.”
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The Japanese shipping majors, NYK and K Line, have also provided aid with more than 13 million yen ($98,000) donated to charities helping the earthquake victims.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) is the most recent company to join the effort by donating $38,000 to the AFAD, along with another 5 million yen ($38,000) to the Japanese Red Cross Society in order to help earthquake victims.
Additionally, MOL announced that it will make a donation to the Japanese Red Cross Society in order to help those in other impacted areas including northern Syria.
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The earthquakes occurred near the East Anatolia fault and resulted in widespread damage and loss of life with the death toll climbing to 37,000 people.