Earthquake in Turkey and Syria
Published: 9 February 2023
Following the earthquake in Turkey (officially known as Türkiye) and Syria, appeals have been launched in the UK to support the rescue efforts and provide aid to those affected.
On Monday at 4:17am local time, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Türkiye (Turkey) near the city of Gaziantep, devastating parts of Türkiye (Turkey) and Syria. It was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks.
Then at 13:24 local time, a second earthquake (M7.5) hit the Elbistan district around 80 miles north of Gaziantep.
Recent reports suggest that more than 21,000 have been killed as hundreds of buildings collapsed and many thousands more injured. These figures continue to rise.
In Redbridge, the council is exploring ways to support those affected in the region and help Turkish and Syrian communities in our borough.
The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Jas Athwal, said: "Our hearts go out to the people of Turkey and Syria and the Turkish and Syrian communities around the world waiting for news of their loved ones following the devastating earthquake.
"In Redbridge, we are supporting international and national charities in their efforts to raise vital funds to help people impacted by the earthquake, and plans are underway to organise our own local donation drive."
For those who want to support organisations working in the regions now, here are a list of appeals to donate to:
International Rescue Committee
UNHCR (The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)
