Earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria

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A 7.8 magnitude earthquake... has killed more than 1,200 people, and injured thousands more, in south-eastern Turkey and north-western Syria after it hit in the early hours of Monday

The epicentre... was near the southern Turkish city of Gaziantep, but the quake was felt across Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Israel. Seismologists say the quake is one of the largest ever recorded in Turkey

Another earthquake... has since hit the same region of Turkey, with the epicentre this time being near the city of Kahramanmaras.

BBC 11.22 today

Horrific. My heart goes out to the poor people affected by this. We have several friends who live in that region and fortunately, they all seem to have survived.

Those poor people

Poor people of Turkey and Syria - as if they haven't enough problems to deal with.

Yes, millions of refugees fled to Turkey from Syria for safety.

Oh my, how terrible for those poor people.

Dreadful news.

The second earthquake, 7.5 magnitude, was not an aftershock ITV News

It appears that there have been two earthquakes of high magnitude 7.8 and 7.4 near the surface which causes more problems than when they are deep. There have also been aftershocks.
Those devastated people are working in hazardous conditions to find people. International aid is needed as soon as possible.
It is incomprehensible.

This is awful. Those poor people. DH and I were discussing it and had vague memories of a big earthquake in Turkey in recent years. It was in 1999 and I was shocked to see that it killed approximately 18,000 people.

Those poor people, I hope the rest of the world rallies to help them as quickly as possible as there must be a lot of people trapped given how many buildings have collapsed. Puts our problems into perspective today.

Puts our problems into perspective today

It certainly does, Casdon

It must have been terrifying to be there, and heartbreaking for those with loved ones missing. The world must respond and quickly.

Horrifying. I saw a block of flats crumble like a house of cards. I hope they get help soon.

Just dreadful. I've had Sky news on and the footage is devastating.

My great nephews' father is in Antakya and he says 80% of the area is destroyed. He had been in hospital for an operation and not long discharged, the hospital is destroyed.

A lucky escape, harrigran.

The UK is sending immediate aid including search and rescue teams, dogs, equipment and medical aid. The White Helmets are already in Syria and will assist.

Many countries have immediately offered aid.

harrigran

My great nephews' father is in Antakya and he says 80% of the area is destroyed. He had been in hospital for an operation and not long discharged, the hospital is destroyed.

How awful. I have a friend who is originally from Antakya. Thankfully, she no longer lives there, but of course, she has many family and friends still in the area.

Probably the worst disaster since Boxing Day tsunami. Completely incomprehensible at the moment.

What can we do to help? Is there anything set up?

The only thing I’ve seen so far is a Red Cross appeal. It’s very soon yet though, there will be other options to come I would think.
donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/turkey-syria-earthquake-appeal?c_name=Turkey-Syria%20Earthquake%20Appeal&c_source=Homepage%20Herobox&c_medium=Internal&c_creative=Donate%20Landing_Turkey-Syria%20earthquake%20appeal%20launch&c_code=175149&adg=BRC%20Site

I think the DEC is recommending some of its charities but hasn't co-ordinated anything yet.

The Red Cross is one of these and they are always very swift to respond to emergencies.

Oxfam and the Red Cross are co-ordinating donations, and there are a number of official, regulated Turkish organisations to which you can donate as well.