Erdogan: 2,494 Tents Were Distributed In Bingol

Erdogan called on citizens of Bingol province to calm down, stating that, ”their sorrows are our sorrows. An administration which is sensitive on the issue is at the ruling.”

Stating that most of the tent site was empty, Erdogan said people were trying to exploit the incident.

Erdogan said search and rescue efforts continued in the region and recalled that he had gone to Bingol on Thursday with related ministers to assess the deficiencies on the spot.

Stating that loss of lives were mostly at Celtiksuyu boarding school dormitory, Erdogan said physical dimensions of the quake was not so important, but that around 100 children and citizens died there.

Erdogan said nearly 10 buildings collapsed, noting that he watched the search and rescue efforts on the spot.

Erdogan said quakes could be means of exploitation in Turkey, stating that, ”unfortunately there are people who benefit from this.”

Erdogan said 1,250 tents were sent to Bingol on Thursday, adding that this amount increased to 2,494 today.

”If the incidents can be covered calmly, it will be seen that this is an amount which will solve the problem to a great extend. Furthermore, sending of tents continue. We have ordered five thousand tents to be sent at the first stage. Around 500 tents were set up in tent site. However, not more than 25 percent of them are full. Everybody wants tents near their houses.”

Erdogan said Ankara Municipality sent a mobile bakery that is able to produce 15,000 breads per day. Four Red Crescent mobile kitchens distribute food.” Erdogan said that they would be in an effort to heal the wounds soon.

Erdogan said they continued to take measures, ”I call on citizens of Bingol to be calm and sensitive. Their sorrows are our sorrows.”

(AY-AÖ) 02.05.2003