Picture
Last weekend Turkey suffered a massive earthquake. Initial reports implied that the death toll and number of casualties was relatively small. Four days later people are miraculously still being pulled out of the rubble and debris alive. The humanitarian crisis is growing along with the death toll.

Snow fell today, October 27, 2011, in parts of Turkey and those now living outdoors in make shift homes will find it harder to survive. The weather is set to worsen and people will suffer, especially the elderly and the very young.

Already we have seen images of desperate men snatching what they could from aid vehicles. Without proper order the vulnerable will not stand a chance.The death toll now reportedly stands at 523, with 1,650 injured and 185 people rescued. The earthquake area and its buildings is devastated.

Aid agencies and charities are now appealing for urgent donations. It is hard for most people these days but perhaps you can dig deep into your pockets and spare a little money. Many say they do not donate as funds often don't reach the intended recipients. However, if we all thought that way they would receive nothing but an early grave.

The UK Red Cross email appeal I received said, " A devastating earthquake in Turkey has killed hundreds of people and made tens of thousands homeless. The Turkish Red Crescent has been working around the clock since the earthquake struck on Sunday, rescuing survivors and distributing life-saving essentials such as tents, stoves, sleeping bags, food and water. Homeless survivors are facing nights sleeping outside in freezing temperatures. As rescue workers continue to search for people trapped in the rubble, funds are now desperately needed to help provide shelter, including tents and blankets, for survivors.
Please give what you can today.With heartfelt thanks.

Best wishes are sent to the Turkish people as they battle to survive.
RIP also
 
 
Picture
AA photo
An earthquake of a magnitude of 7.2 has hit parts of Turkey. Some reports set the magnitude as 7.6.

The quake toppled buildings and caused injuries and deaths in Van province in southeastern Turkey, near the border with Iran, today, Sunday October 23, 2011. The epicentre was in Tabanli to the north of Van.

There have been reports of buildings collapsing leaving people trapped. The fact that it  is Sunday may have helped the amount of casualties ad fatalities remain relatively small. However, early reports have now been upgraded and some are claiming the death toll is between 500 and 1,000 people.

Turkish Prime Minister Prime Minister Tayyip Erdoğanhas made his way to the area as communications have been temporarily lost. Phone lines and electricity supplies have been cut off.

Updates to follow as more details are revealed.