Thousands of people died after a devastating earthquake destroyed towns and villages in Turkey and Syria.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns the death toll could rise sharply in the coming days as more victims are found in collapsed buildings. The next 24-48 hours are critical as rescue teams arrive to search for those still trapped in the devastation.
Some workers were calling for silence as they strained to hear the cries of those still trapped. The sub-freezing temperatures, snow and rain that have also covered the region are complicated the search efforts.
Catastrophic Event
The 7.8-magnitude earthquake’s epicenter struck the city of Gaziantep in the early morning darkness of February 6. This is the most powerful quake to hit the region in almost a century.
Survivors told how the shaking seemed to last an eternity. Some reports show the ground and buildings shaking for as long as two minutes.
People ran from buildings as they collapsed and fled into the cold, dark night. As day broke, a series of aftershocks continued to shake the area throughout the day, with a 7.5 magnitude hitting just Turkey nine hours after the first major event.
Helping the People of Turkey and Syria
Government officials from 45 different countries are organizing relief efforts to help search for survivors, give aid to the thousands of wounded people and provide shelter to those who find themselves homeless.
“It was like the apocalypse,” said one Syrian survivor. “It’s bitterly cold and there’s heavy rain, and people need saving.”
Food for Life Global in London is mobilizing a team to the area so they can aid with giving plant-based meals to those impacted by this disaster.
This response is made possible with donations to our Emergency Fund. Ongoing donations are being accepted to fund these efforts for earthquake victims.
How You Can Support Earthquake Victims
Right now, there are three ways you can help the victims of this earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
Support the Food for Life Global Emergency Fund – Food for Life Global is working to mobilize a team for emergency food distribution. One of the ways we can respond quickly is through generous donations to our Emergency Fund.
Donate Blood: If you are close enough to donate blood from within Turkey or Syria, the need is great and will only rise as more of the wounded are brought in to be treated. Even if you don’t live near the impacted countries, consider donating to your local blood bank to show solidarity for those fighting for their lives.
Raise Awareness: Even if you cannot donate funds, consider sharing this article with your friends and family. Use your social media accounts to spread the word about reputable humanitarian organizations like FFLG. By sharing, you’ll ensure that others who may have the means have the opportunity to give to relief efforts.
On behalf of the entire Food for Life Global team, I want to express my grief for the victims and families impacted by this shattering event.
And to all who have had their lives torn apart on this day, may you feel the love and support of this world in the coming days, weeks, and months.
Paul Rodney Turner.
2 Comments
Have good time.
Prayers for those affected