Switzerland is sending more experts and equipment to Turkey and Syria to help both countries recover from a devastating earthquake that struck the region earlier this month.
Nearly 50,000 people were killed by the earthquake on February 6 and many more were injured or were left without shelter.
The Swiss Humanitarian Aid unit is sending four medical experts to Turkey and plus two engineers and two disaster aid personnel to Syria.
They will replace the 87-strong team of rescue specialists and dogs who initially went to the area.
Switzerland has already contributed CHF8 million ($8.6 million) in humanitarian aid.
The United Nations says Turkey will eventually require $1 billion in international aid and Syria $400 million.
The new Swiss teams will take 100 winter tents to Turkey to supplement the 300 tents already donated.
Switzerland also plans to equip Syria with 300 tents that can withstand winter conditions.
In addition, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation has helped a Swiss retailer transport several tons of winter equipment, including tents, sleeping bags, lamps, heaters and winter clothing, to the region.
How is your country dealing with the return of stolen artifacts?
Western nations like Switzerland often have to deal with the process of recovering or returning looted artifacts which have been illegally imported. What’s the situation like in your country?
What do you think Switzerland’s Alain Berset can bring to the Council of Europe?
The former interior minister is to become the first Swiss Secretary General of the Council of Europe – which issues should his five-year term focus on?
Sylvain Saudan, ‘skier of the impossible’, dies aged 87
This content was published on
The Swiss father of extreme skiing pioneered descents from the Alps to the Himalayas – and became the sport’s first star.
Hayek family buys additional Swatch shares for nearly CHF11 million
This content was published on
Following the acquisition of registered shares worth over CHF20.6 million on Monday, the Hayek family made another purchase on Tuesday.
Suicide capsule to be used in Switzerland this year, says euthanasia organisation
This content was published on
The organisation “The Last Resort” has confirmed that the suicide capsule Sarco is to be used in Switzerland. This should happen this year, it said.
Ukrainian children flown to Switzerland for cancer treatment
This content was published on
The Swiss air rescue service Rega flew two Ukrainian children with cancer to Switzerland from a hospital in Kyiv hit by Russian missiles.
Swiss Solidarity raises over CHF10 million for victims of extreme weather
This content was published on
The money raised will be used to help those affected by the recent storms and flooding in the cantons of Ticino, Graubünden, and Valais.
Swiss giant Roche given green light for lung cancer drug in Canada
This content was published on
According to a recent study, Roche’s Alecensaro reduced the risk of recurrence or death by 76% compared to chemotherapy alone.
Swiss luxury watch market hit hard by China-led slump
This content was published on
Sales of Swiss-made luxury watches are in sharp retreat as nervous consumers reconsider splashing out on expensive timepieces and demand slumps.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Turkish demand for fast-track visas to Switzerland on the rise
This content was published on
Switzerland has already received 1,500 requests for visas under an accelerated process for earthquake refugees, RTS reports on Friday.
Swiss rescue team returns from Turkey after earthquake effort
This content was published on
Swiss search and rescue specialists have returned home after helping out in Turkey, which along with Syria was struck by a massive earthquake last week.
Swiss humanitarian aid deployed in Turkey and Syria
This content was published on
Swiss rescue workers arrive in Turkey to assist victims of two earthquakes that have killed more than 4,800 people in Turkey and Syria.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.