PEN statement following earthquake in Turkey
by @lcmcveigh , PEN International Executive Director
“Following yesterday’s news of the earthquake in Turkey’s south east and the loss of many lives, PEN International sends it condolences to all those affected by this terrible event. Our thoughts are with members of PEN Turkey and the Kurdish PEN Centre who have relatives, friends and colleagues in the affected region.”
Laura McVeigh, PEN International Executive Director
response from
Dr. Zaradachet Hajo, Pres. Kurdish PEN Centre.
Dear friends and colleagues of the International PEN community
We at the Kurdish PEN Centre have been touched by your messages of support and solidarity regarding the devastation that our community in Wan has suffered as a result of the terrible earthquake that has affected almost every family in that region including many friends and relatives of our members.
The death toll has reached nearly 400 and the injured are over 1300 so far while the search still continues.
The weather conditions and no proper official relief efforts have worsened the situation. The community network is doing their best but the degree of devastation is beyond their capacity.
This area is already in a turmoil and this terrible earthquake has worsened the situation for the population but we hope that this tragic event bring the community closer as everyone in the area is doing what they can to help and offer some relief.
Your words of support mean so much to us and we thank you wholeheartedly.
Dr. Zaradachet Hajo
President
Kurdish PEN Centre
26/10/2011