Turkiye and Syria Earthquakes Cause Losses up to US$ 4 Billion
- AP Photo/Hussein Malla.
VIVA – Earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria are predicted to cause huge losses to the economies of the two countries. The Fitch Ratings Agency estimates that the economic loss will reach US$4 billion or IDR 60.7 trillion.
According to the latest data, this earthquake has caused more than 30,000 people dead, hundreds of injured, and many buildings destroyed, also collapsed.
"Economic losses are difficult to estimate as the situation develops, but are likely to exceed US$2 billion and could reach US$4 billion or more," Fitch Ratings was quoted as saying on Sunday, February 12, 2023.
Gempa berkekuatan 7,8 skala richter yang mengguncang sebagian besar Turki dan Suriah, pada Senin pagi, 6 Februari 2023.
- AP Photo.
However, insured losses are predicted to be much lower at US$1 billion. This is due to low insurance coverage in the region. Then, France itself pledged 12 million euros or IDR 194.9 billion to Syrians.
"The aid will be channeled through non-government organizations and the UN in all affected areas," said French foreign ministry spokesman, Francois Delmas.
Meanwhile, 27 European Union leaders wrote to President of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday to express 'full solidarity'. The leaders offered more emergency aid in the wake of the devastating earthquake, "We stand ready to further increase our support in close coordination with the Turkish authorities. Our thoughts will continue to be with you and your people," the EU leaders said.