Crisis appeal after deadly earthquake

The catastrophic earthquake struck at 4.17am local time on Monday, measuring a 7.8 magnitude – making it the most powerful termor to ever hit the country.

It’s the world’s most deadly earthquake in over a decade with more than 13,000 fatalities reported in Turkey and a further 3,500 in Syria.

The earthquake’s epicentre was recorded 21 miles west of Gaziantep, in Gaziantep Province, which is near the border with Syria. An aftershock, measuring a magnitude 6.7 occurred around ten minutes after the initial quake.

In Turkey, at least 13.5 million people have been impacted, as well as 4 million buildings with thousands of people trapped under the rubble for days awaiting rescue.

There were 167 deaths and 3,993 injured in Adana Province. Two apartment buildings, including one 17 stories high, collapsed, killing at least 10 people. In the city of Adana, there were at least 58 deaths and 720 injuries.

At least 3,556 people were killed and 3,749 were injured in Syria.

A full-scale humanitarian effort has been launched in the two countries as they continue to search for survivors.

The British Red Cross has launched an aid appeal. The Red Crescent is on the ground alongside other charities, aiding rescue efforts and providing emergency medical treatment, shelter, food, warm blankets and winter kits.

In Turkey, the Turkish Red Crescent has launched a crisis response operation and mobilised teams in more than 10 regions across the country.

Across the border, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent is delivering assistance and support to those in need in the regions of Hama, Aleppo and Lattakia. They are providing emergency first aid and evacuating people to safety in perilous conditions.

To donate to the appeal, go to https:// donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ turkey-syria-earthquake-appeal