Several Maldivian organisations have begun raising funds to help the victims of last week's devastating earthquake in eastern Turkey and Syria.
In a press conference held to inaugurate the campaign launched by the International Aid Campaign (IAC) in collaboration with some religious scholars and associations, former minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said the campaign will help support and aid the needy.
Donation boxes will be placed in all mosques in the Greater Malé area and in major mosques on administrative islands starting Friday, February 17. Dr. Shaheem said they are working to put donation boxes in mosques on all administrative islands.
“We call on local businesses, various civil and religious associations in all areas to take the lead in this matter,” Shaheem said.
IAC is assisting with relief efforts in Turkey through daily distribution of food and clothing packages.
The earthquake that struck the Turkish-Syrian border has killed 41,000 people so far. Nearly a hundred thousand people were injured and are being treated.