A sequence of catastrophic earthquakes have struck southern Turkey and the north-west region of Syria, causing the loss of over 28,000 lives and leaving countless individuals injured.
An appeal has now been launched by the UK’s Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to help hundreds of thousands of people affected by earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria.
The initial lethal earthquake occurred during the night while residents were in their homes, sound asleep, with no indications beforehand. Numerous buildings, including schools and hospitals, have collapsed and infrastructure has been severely impacted. Emergency personnel are desperately sifting through the debris in search of those still alive.
People have been left without shelter in freezing winter conditions and desperately need blankets, emergency shelter, food and clean water.
DEC and its affiliated organizations are among the initial responders supplying critical aid. Their immediate priorities include search and rescue efforts, medical attention for the wounded, shelter for the homeless, heating in secure locations, provision of blankets and warm clothing, and ensuring that individuals have access to food and clean water.
The DEC brings together 15 leading UK aid charities at times of crisis overseas to raise funds quickly and efficiently.
How you can help
You can help people affected by the crisis by making a donation and helping to raise money for the DEC appeal. This will allow DEC charities and their local partners to scale up their response and reach more people.
- £10 could provide blankets to keep two people warm
- £25 could provide emergency food for a family for ten days
- £50 could provide emergency shelter for two families
How to donate:
Online: dec.org.uk 
Phone: 0370 60 60 610
Text to give/SMS: text SUPPORT to 70787 to donate £10. Other partners should use the specific text codes they have been provided with by the DEC.
Donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office, or send a cheque by post to: DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal, PO Box 999, London EC3A 3AA.
Image: DEC
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