Eighteen container homes donated by Turkey arrived in Lekenik on Saturday to be used for the accommodation of people left homeless by a devastating earthquake that struck central Croatia on 29 December, the Turkish Embassy said, adding that another 16 containers would be delivered later in the day.

A shipment of containers arrived two days ago and was now delivered to Glina (12), Sisak (6), Lekenik (6) and Hrvatska Kostajnica (6).

Turkey has pledged 100 container homes for earthquake victims in Croatia. A total of 64 containers are expected to arrive on Saturday and the remaining 36 in the coming days.

Earlier this week, the government in Ankara announced an additional 100 container homes, which are expected to come soon, the Turkish Embassy said in a statement.

In Lekenik, the shipment was welcomed by Turkish Ambassador Mustafa Babur Hizlan and State Secretary at the Croatian Ministry of the Interior Irena Petrijevcanin Vuksanovic.

Shortly after the earthquake, which caused extensive property damage in Sisak-Moslavina County, Turkish authorities contacted Croatian authorities offering the necessary assistance given that Turkey has a lot of experience with earthquakes.

Turkey’s Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) has delivered 500 blankets, 272 electric heaters, 480 tents as well as food and hygiene products.

Ten experts from the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) have been present in Croatia since 4 January helping with the relief effort.

The Turkish Embassy said Turkey is “a true friend” of Croatia, as confirmed by the Turkish president in conversation with his Croatian counterpart, and that “it is time for brotherhood”.

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has extended condolences to the families of the people killed and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the disaster.