The European Federation announced on Tuesday that preparations for the European track and field athletics indoor track, scheduled for March 2-5 in Istanbul, are proceeding according to plan, despite the earthquake that has affected southern Turkey and Syria.
“We understand that people have concerns about the 2023 European Athletics Indoor Championships in Istanbul, which will take place at the Ataki Arena from 2 to 5 March. At the moment, all preparations are going according to plan, ”the press service said in a statement. continental body.
European Athletics expressed “deep regret” over the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that rocked Turkey and Syria on Monday, “expressing our deepest condolences, solidarity and support to all those affected during these difficult times.”
“European Athletics Association President Dobromir Karamarinov sent a letter on Monday to Turkish Athletics Federation (FTA) President Fatih Sintimar with the same message,” the organization continued.
In accordance with the plans of the organization for the continental competitions in which eight Portuguese have already reached the qualifying marks (Isaac Nader, 1500 meters, Oriol Dongmo and Jessica Inchude, in weight, Arialis Gandulla, Lorena Basolo and Carlos Nascimento, in 60 meters, Pedro Pichardo and Patricia Mammon in the troika), the European Federation confirms the coordination with local authorities.
“We are in coordination with the FTA, LOC and relevant authorities and will provide all assistance and support where needed. We are monitoring the situation and will provide further updates if there are any changes. We are thinking with all concerned of yesterday’s tragic events [na segunda-feira]”, – concluded the European Athletics Union.
The earthquake struck at dawn on Monday, 33 km from the provincial capital of Gaziantep in southeastern Turkey, near the border with Syria, at a depth of 17.9 km.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake was recorded with a magnitude of 7.8, dozens of aftershocks were felt, one of which was a magnitude of at least 7.6.
The preliminary balance of the earthquake exceeds five thousand deaths, and rescue work is still underway in both countries among the rubble of destroyed buildings.
Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said on Tuesday that the death toll in Turkey has risen to 3,419 and that 20,534 people have been injured, while Syria has confirmed 1,602 deaths.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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