Turkey's Red Crescent rushes aid to flood-hit Balkan region

ISTANBUL — Turkey has sent humanitarian aid supplies to help Bosnia and Herzegovina who recently experienced the worst floods in 120 years. At least 43 people have died since last Wednesday after heavy rainfall hit Bosnia and Serbia. More than one million people in Bosnia have no access to clean water, over 100,000 buildings have been destroyed, and repairs are expected to cost billions.

Food, clothes and cleaning products were delivered to Bosnia by Turkish relief organizations such as the Turkish Red Crescent, the Deniz Feneri Association, the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation and the Besir Association. The Turkish Red Crescent has sent 3,625 blankets, 20,618 diapers, 85,000 sandbags and hundreds of kitchen and hygiene supplies to the flooded region.

Other European countries have also rushed to provide aid. Greece has sent an eight-person rescue team to Serbia and Bosnia and has said it is ready to send another 25 people if needed. In Holland, Bosnians living in the country have gathered donations such as medical supplies, blankets, and food supplies for the flood victims.

Norway's Foreign Minister Borge Brende announced that the Norwegian government will send US$7.5 million in aid to support emergency needs and to help in rebuilding the damaged infrastructure. Germany meanwhile has sent a 20-person team to the region as well as 350,000 euros in donations, German Foreign Ministry said.