Prime Minister Ünal Üstel has said that there was no damage reported following the two earthquakes which shook Hatay province, Türkiye last night that was also felt in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

The prime minister said that last night’s twin-tremors reminded us the urgency and importance of being prepared for future earthquakes.

In a statement issued on Monday night, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel said that there were no reports of any damage following the 6.4 and 5.8 magnitude earthquakes which shook Türkiye’s Hatay province.

The quakes were felt in the TRNC.

“According to the Kandili Observatory, we experienced two more earthquakes, the first with a magnitude of 6.4 in Defne district and second with a magnitude of 5.8 centred in Samandağ district. This has been the 4th earthquake in a span of two weeks. I have been informed that there were no reports of any damage in the country,” he said.

Üstel said that the earthquake disaster experienced in Türkiye reminded us how vital it was to be prepared for future earthquakes which are why various steps were being taken to create funds for an emergency action plan.

He said funds to be raised and allocated will be used to reinforce public buildings such as hospitals, schools and health centres which fail to pass safety standards.

The money will also be used to purchase vital equipment for the Civil Defence Organisation and the Fire Department to be used in search and rescue, as well as recovery efforts, Üstel added.

The prime minister said that funds will also be used to help relief efforts in Türkiye and to assist the country’s recovery process.

“A consensus has been reached in parliament by all the political parties to create three temporary ad-hoc committees to work on this issue,” he added.

Üstel said that the government was sincere in its efforts and was open to all forms of dialogue and proposals with the opposition to address this important issue.

“We have no time to lose with unproductive debates. We must prepare the country for emergencies and natural disasters as soon as possible. The time is for solidarity and unity,” he concluded.