Solvay extends aid to earthquake victims

Global materials firm Solvay has donated 500,000 euros ($534,000) to support those impacted by earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria earlier this month.

In a news release, CEO Ilham Kadri said that Brussels-based Solvay "is deeply saddened" by the disaster.

"Our thoughts are with all the victims," she added. "We are working closely with our business partners in the region to provide whatever help we can, and we have activated the Solvay Solidarity Fund to support humanitarian initiatives to bring relief to the population."

More than 40,000 people died in the two countries following the Feb. 6 quake and its aftershocks.

Solvay is donating in Syria to the International Blue Crescent Relief & Development Foundation and in Turkey to relief groups AHBAP and AFAD. Officials said that through these organizations, the fund will provide support to medical teams and those who have lost their homes. The priority of the donations is to distribute tents, heaters, blankets, warm clothing and food to families.

Solvay established the fund in early 2020 to provide aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. It's now funding other relief efforts, including those related to the Ukraine conflict. To date, the fund has distributed more than 9 million euros ($9.6 million).

Globally, Solvay employs more than 21,000. The firm posted sales of 10.1 billion euros ($10.8 billion) in 2021. Solvay soon will split into two public companies, including one making specialty materials that would include plastics and composites.