DOHA, Qatar

Many countries in the Gulf are racing against time to extend a helping hand to those affected by devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.

The six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council officially announced the launch of air bridges to provide humanitarian aid and send rescue teams to participate in the search for survivors under the rubble.

In parallel with the official drives in the Gulf countries, popular public campaigns were also launched by civil society institutions, media organizations, and individuals to support the earthquake victims.

At least 12,873 people were killed and 62,937 others injured by two strong earthquakes which jolted southern Türkiye on Monday, the country's disaster agency said on Thursday.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Tuesday a state of emergency for a period of 3 months, in 10 provinces, including Adana, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye, and Sanliurfa.

Saudi Arabia

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia witnessed a popular donation campaign that by Thursday morning collected about 100 million riyals (more than $26 million), according to the Saudi governmental “Sahem” platform.

Saudi scholars called on the people of the Kingdom to participate in the campaign and donate to the victims in the two brotherly countries.

Sultanate of Oman

Through the Omani Authority for Charitable Activities, charitable associations and institutions announced initiatives to collect donations and aid.

The Grand Mufti of the Sultanate of Oman, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Khalili, stated: "In view of the devastating earthquakes that cost many lives, I appeal to those who love goodness to take the initiative to provide relief to the afflicted.”

In its editorial on Wednesday, the Omani newspaper, Al-Roya, said: “Oman has mobilized its leadership and people to mitigate the effects of this devastating earthquake in northern Syria and southern Turkiye.”

The Omani writer, also a member of the Board of Directors of the Journalists Association, Hamoud Al-Touqi, called on his countrymen to donate, tweeting: "Is there still someone who has not donated yet?"

UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has sent 37 tons of medical aid for the victims of the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.

“A first cargo plane departed last night transporting 37 tons of medical kits,” Dubai Media Office said on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Emirates Red Crescent called on people to join the "Bridges of Goodness" campaign to support those affected in Syria and Türkiye.

The campaign includes mobilizing initial aid in the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The collection of donations will continue for two weeks under the Crescent authority and the Emirati humanitarian and charitable institutions will participate in the initiative.

Al Ansari Exchange, a leading foreign exchange company, announced its donation of 3.67 million dirhams ($1 million) in support of relief efforts for those affected by the disaster.

Kuwait

In Kuwait, dozens of associations launched donation campaigns that received a strong response from people.

An official campaign was launched by the Council of Ministers under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Community Development to provide urgent aid and relief to those affected by the quakes.

Kuwaiti writer Nasser Aleidan said: "We need governmental and popular campaigns to save what can be saved from the rubble of the Türkiye-Syria earthquakes."

Qatar

Qataris expressed their full solidarity with the earthquake victims, sending condolences and wishing a speedy recovery to the wounded.

Qatar Charity and the Qatar Red Crescent also rushed to send aid and field teams to Türkiye and Syria to participate in rescue operations.

As part of the social initiatives, Dar Al-Sharq Media decided to donate the revenues of its four newspapers for one week to the earthquake victims.

On Wednesday, the Qatar Stars League decided to allocate the proceeds of tickets for the two semi-final matches of the Qatar Football Cup for those affected by the earthquakes.

Bahrain

Bahrain’s Royal Humanitarian Foundation called for donations to the national campaign to support those affected by the earthquakes.

In response to the appeal of the Turkish Embassy in Manama, Bahrainis turned out in large numbers to deliver aid.

*Ikram Imane Kouachi contributed to this report