The Maldivian Government has decided to donate one million cans of tuna to the people of Turkey and Syria following the devastating earthquake that hit the region on 6 February 2023.

As such, both countries will receive 500,000 cans respectively from the donation.

This decision was made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, in order to extend humanitarian and relief aid to the distressed people in the region.

Speaking on the donation, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid stated that this donation is a demonstration of the country's solidarity with the people of Turkey and Syria.

He expressed hope that this small contribution will bring a sense of comfort and support to those affected.

Media reports shows that the death toll due to the powerful earthquake on Monday had climbed to 23,000 by Saturday, with thousands of people left homeless after the earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria in the midst of the cold harsh winter. The death toll in Turkey is over 20,000 with it surpassing 3,500 in Syria.

The quake, which struck near the Turkish town of Gaziantep, was recorded at 7.8 on the Richter magnitude scale. A second earth quake of 7.5 magnitude also came later in the day.

Several buildings collapsed in Turkey and Syria and caused widespread damage in the wake of the desaster.