Earthquake in Turkey

I posted this recently on another list, and several people suggested
that I post it on this list as well. I just returned from Turkey,
where I work in an archaeological conservation lab every summer. I
have been horrified by the news of the earthquake, and immediately
wondered what I could do. I contacted a colleague, Dr. Hande
Kokten-Ersoy, at Ankara University. I wanted her to know that
conservators in our lab and elsewhere will be available to assist if
they are needed in any way. It is clear that for now, massive
humanitarian aid is needed immediately, through donations and
assistance in ongoing relief efforts. This was Hande's response:

    Glenn,

    I don't know how to tell this, but there are thousands of people
    still trapped under tons concrete and rubble. Scenes from ruined
    towns of Izmit, Kocaeli, Yalova, Golcuk, Adapazari, Istanbul and
    Eskisehir are unbearable. 3500 people were reported dead this
    evening and 16000 injured. There are thousands of people either
    alive or dead underneath the devastated apartment blocks. The
    rescue operations are very few (professional rescue teams are
    still arriving at Turkey, but the extent of destruction is
    beyond belief) and not efficient enough due to the lack of
    equipment and vehicles. Most citizens try to help their own
    families, neighbours, friends.  Hospitals in this area are
    damaged too, so army helicopters carry the injured people to
    other towns.

    It is a terrible confusion. I don't know what to say.. I am
    grateful for your efforts to help, but humanitarian aid is
    needed at the first place. There is too much suffering and
    sorrow in the air, that I can hardly breath. In the meantime,
    fire at Tupras-Izmit oil refinery is becoming a big threat for
    the region. The LPG tanks of Tupras are very close to the
    burning ones and there 13 other refineries on this coast.. Feel
    free to pass this information to the American conservators.. We
    will certainly appreciate any help of all kinds. As we are now
    concentrated on the rescue operations and health-care issues, I
    don't really think that we should worry about cultural
    heritage.. Do not hesitate to contact me if anyone comes up with
    an idea. I am so sad that I can not write anymore tonight, take
    care and keep in touch.

    yours
    Hande

Glenn Wharton
Institute of Archaeology
University College of London

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 13:15
                  Distributed: Friday, August 20, 1999
                       Message Id: cdl-13-15-001
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