Guernsey's Overseas Aid Commission has u-turned on its decision not to support the Turkish and Syrian earthquake appeal.

Last week, the OA&DC said Turkey was too wealthy and so outside of the countries it normally supports, while the regime in Syria was recognised as being highly corrupt. 

The Commission has now decided to give £50,000 to the Disasters and Emergency Committee Appeal.

OA&DC President Deputy Chris Blin has been explaining the change in position:

"Although Turkey and Syria are not countries we would normally support, the sheer scale of this natural disaster means that the Commission has concluded that it has to help in some way.

The Commission has now received direct assurances from the DEC that the desperately needed aid can be securely delivered in Turkey and Syria, so it reaches those most in need. The Commission is especially pleased that this will include Syrian Refugees living in Turkey.

DEC Member charities also have 10 years’ experience of delivering aid in Syria. This and the news in recent days that additional border crosses have opened up from Turkey to Syria gives the Commission comfort that aid can be delivered to Syria in a managed way."

£25,000 is a direct donation to the UK DEC, which is made up of 15 charities that are experts in humanitarian aid and disaster response.

A further sum of up to £25,000 will be given to match fund the money given to the Bailiff's Disaster Relief Fund, which is also supporting the DEC.

The OAC will also match fund up to £10,000 what is raised in Guernsey primary schools today (17 February).

Children are going to school in non-uniform to raise money for the appeal.

More than 41,000 people have died in the quakes that devastated the region on Monday 6 February.  Hundreds of thousands more have been injured.

The UNHCR report that 15 million people have been impacted and three cities have been half destroyed.

1 million people are in need of shelter in Turkey and 5 million in Syria.

The DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal has so far raised over £84m.

Donations to the Bailiff's Disaster Relief Fund can be made:

• By bank transfer: Bank: NatWest Bank, Guernsey

Sort Code 60-09-20

Account Number 70956421

Reference: Bailiff’s Disaster Relief Fund Turkey-Syria Appeal

• In person at the bank counter:

Any branch of NatWest in the Bailiwick for the account of Bailiff’s Disaster Relief Fund Turkey-Syria Appeal, number 70956421

• By post:

Cheques may be made payable to Bailiff’s Disaster Relief Fund Turkey-Syria Appeal and sent to The Bailiff’s Chambers, Royal Court House, St. Peter Port, GY1 2NZ

Humanitarian Aid Guernsey has set up a justgiving page specifically for victims of the Turkish quake.

Osman is from Turkey but has lived in Guernsey for three years. He says he is grateful for islanders' support:

"I know the Guernsey people are generous people. If they can show their support through the justgiving (appeal) - any help is appreciated."

There are millions of people affected.  We need to do out best."