UPDATE – EU, NATO offer assistance to quake-hit Turkey, Greece

UPDATES WITH REMARKS FROM WHO CHIEF; CHANGES DECK

By Rabia Iclal Turan and Bayram Altug

ANKARA/ GENEVA (AA) – The EU, NATO, and the World Health Organization on Friday offered assistance to Turkey and Greece as a magnitude 6.6 earthquake shook the Aegean region.

“Closely following the developments of the strong earthquake that hit the Aegean Sea off Greece and Turkey,” European Council President Charles Michel wrote on Twitter.

“My thoughts are with all the people affected.”

Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, also took to Twitter to show support.

“We are following the situation and we stand ready to help, in all possible ways,” she wrote.

Also, NATO’s secretary-general said the alliance stands ready to help “its allies Greece and Turkey.”

“I am deeply saddened by the reports from the earthquake in the #Aegean. My thoughts go to all those affected,” Jens Stoltenberg said on Twitter.

Meanwhile, France also offered assistance to both countries.

"France stands alongside the Turkish and Greek peoples to face this terrible ordeal. If the governments of these countries so wish, French aid can be immediately dispatched on the spot," Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on Twitter.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), said the world health body is in close watch of the developments happening in Turkey and Greece after the earthquake.

In a videoconference, Tedros said they will be working with the two countries to ensure that emergency medical care is provided to those in need.

He also wished a fast recovery to those effected by the earthquake.

At least 12 people were killed and 522 others injured when a magnitude 6.6 earthquake jolted the city of Izmir on the Turkish Aegean on Friday.

Two children were also reported dead on the Greek island of Samos.

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