The largest-ever deployment of Irish aid is being dispatched to Turkey and Syria following the earthquake disaster.
Syria's president has agreed to open two new crossing points from Turkey to allow aid and equipment to reach the earthquake's survivors.
More than 37,000 people have died across the two countries but the death toll is still expected to increase.
The Irish government is sending half a million euro worth of aid supplies to be distributed by Irsih agencies working on the ground in the region.
The 115 tonnes of emergency equipment includes blankets, tents, heating equipment and basic kitchen and cooking utensils.
The stocks are in a UN storage facility in Dubai with the first plane taking off today.
A second shipment from another UN facility in Brindisi in Italy will happen later in the week.
Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Sean Fleming, says the aid shipment will help save lives.
"In terms of basic essentials to keep people alive, give them accommodation and shelter.
"Other bigger countries are good with bringing in the heavy equipment to deal with the dangerous buildings, but our expertise is dealing with and helping the families, women and children, and men who are homeless, starving and freezing."
Ireland's support for immediate and urgent humanitarian relief in Türkiye and Syria has risen to €10 million, following an announcement today by @MichealMartinTD.
Ireland stands with people in Türkiye and Syria at this awful time.
More details 👉https://t.co/La8ZIMLffK— Irish Aid (@Irish_Aid) February 13, 2023
