Turkey launches worldwide hunt for tents

The Turkish government has launched a worldwide hunt for tents and shelters for earthquake survivors, after thousands continued to take refuge in shopping malls, stadiums and mosques after their homes were destroyed in last week's disaster.

"We are trying to procure everything we can all around the world and ask foreign governments to prioritise tent aid," a Turkish official with knowledge of the effort told Middle East Eye on Friday. 

The Turkish government and dozens of aid groups have launched a massive relief effort for the survivors, with Ankara dispatching more than 5,400 shipping containers as shelters and tens of thousands of tents.

But across the huge earthquake zone in Turkey and Syria, millions have been rendered homeless, with many continuing to sleep in cars or mosques that have become makeshift shelters.

The official said that Ankara was also trying to rent large cargo planes to bring in some of the tents due to their large size and the need for big shipments.

Another official told MEE that the country was in dire need of winter tents as temperatures continued to plunge below -5c in some of the quake-hit areas.

The freezing conditions have added to the risk of hypothermia for many survivors, especially those who could still be alive under the rubble.

Read more: Turkey launches worldwide hunt for tents to house quake survivors