The number of Syrian citizens fleeing unrest in their country and crossing into Turkey has reached 8,904, a Turkish official statement said Thursday.


Syrian refugees shout slogans to show thanks to Turkish government for the assistance in the tent-site of Altinozu town, Hatay, Turkey, on June 16, 2011. More than 8,500 Syrians have already taken shelter in the four tent camps set up by Turkey along the border. But more are expected to cross the border. Reports say some 10,000 Syrians are sheltering inside Syria close to the border and are ready to enter Turkey. (Xinhua/Ma Yan)

The statement, issued by the Turkish Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Situation Management, said that 8,904 Syrians were staying at tent-sites in Yayladagi, Altinozu and Reyhanli towns of the province of Hatay in southern Turkey.


"We have also established mobile kitchens and baths," the statement said, adding that the Syrian people could get accommodation, food, health, security, social activity, education, worship, translation and some other services at the tent-sites.


As many as 2,569 tents, 17,664 blankets, 10,594 beds have been sent to the region and 1,231 of the tents have been set up, 11,589 blankets and 5,451 beds have been distributed, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported. Besides, 40 mobile baths and toilets, four mobile kitchens, and two field hospitals have been established in the region.


VietNamNet/Xinhuanet