How to help survivors of Turkey, Syria earthquake

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake has killed greater than 3,400 individuals in Turkey and Syria and injured . It has additionally left many individuals with nowhere to go. 

Those individuals embrace Ahmad Abdin’s household, who’re all sleeping of their automotive. 

“Everybody needs help by now because they are all on the street,” stated the Houston physique store proprietor. “They’re scared to get in the house because you know they saw a building collapse.”

Ebru Ak, the president of the American Turkish Association-Houston, described what’s occurring in these counties as devastating. 

“I can’t even find the words,” he stated.

Ak stated a lot of her household is stranded as a result of of the injury brought on to infrastructure. The earthquake is being labeled as one of the most important within the space in 100 years with aftershocks felt throughout the area. One of these, a second tremble, registered a confirmed 7.5 magnitude. 

“We lost out like roads and airports, and most of the government buildings are impacted,” Ak stated. 

For the survivors and first responders, frigid circumstances are making issues worse. 

“Most of the area is under the snow,” Ak stated. 

Many of the survivors are Syrian refugees who’ve already confronted years of conflict — and now this. 

‘People are annoyed from you recognize, of the conflict,” Abdin said. “Of course, now this occurred for them. I imply, I’m positive there are people who find themselves simply depressing proper now.”

Abdin and Ak informed KHOU 11 that Turkey was within the midst of celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. The nation was within the midst of planning celebrations when the earthquake occurred. Now, there’s a seven-day mourning for this tragic state of affairs.

If you’re looking to help the survivors of the earthquake, you may donate to this GoFundMe page. 

Zack Tawatari on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram