In polarized Turkey, political feeling steers earthquake donations

People affected by the deadly earthquake queue for aid in Hatay, Turkey, February 24, 2023. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

(Reuters) - An NGO started by a Turkish rock star and endorsed by pop star Madonna has raised 1 billion Turkish lira ($53 million) for earthquake victims, after many opposed to Turkey's government said they prefer not to donate to state-run organisations.

Turkey's state Disaster and Emergency Management Authority AFAD, affiliated to the Interior Ministry, was criticised by people living across the earthquake-hit south for taking too long to arrive and not responding adequately. It has also faced accusations that it has become excessively centralised.