The FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations has launched an earthquake fund to support ongoing rebuilding efforts in the quake-hit Türkiye and Syria.
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked the border area between Turkey and Syria on February 6, leaving over 50,000 people dead and causing major damage to infrastructure in the affected areas, including ports.
"FIATA, in solidarity with its affected Association Members, has launched an earthquake aftermath fund to support relief efforts of freight forwarders in these nations," the non-governmental organization representing freight forwarders worldwide said in a short statement as it enjoined its members to donate towards disaster relief and aid responses of freight forwarders in these nations.
Several ports in Turkey were severely hit by the catastrophic earthquake, including the southern Turkish port of Iskenderun, causing disruption to port activities.
Russell Group — a self-selected association of twenty-four public research universities in the United Kingdom — noted that the container fire that occurred at the port alone would cause a loss in trade of around US$679 million (£562.85 million).
Airlines and ocean carriers have since announced aid to the earthquake-ravaged countries, the delivery of aid and the launch of a humanitarian airbridge.
The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) also called for the relaxation of some stringent restrictions when flying to Syria in a bid to hasten the transport of much-needed aid in the wake of the earthquake.
