Monday 6th February 2023 one of the most powerful earthquakes to hit the Middle East in years has killed scores of people in Turkey and Syria and trapped thousands more with numbers continue to rise.

The quake struck at dawn with a magnitude of 7.7 and an epicenter near the Turkish city of Gaziantep. So far authorities said more than 2,600 people are confirmed dead, 11,119 injured in Turkey and 968 confirmed dead, 1,280 injured neighbouring Syria with destruction concentrated in border areas that house millions of refugees. (Media sources).

In a statement just issued by the Civil Defense in northwestern Syria, following the earthquake, the region was declared completely stricken as a result of the catastrophic situation of buildings collapsing, sharp cracks, hundreds of injured and trapped, and dozens of deaths, due to the lack of capabilities and services, the lack of shelters and safe gathering points, stormy and snowy weather conditions, and low temperatures.

Medical sources in the region confirmed that the announced number of victims is related to the ability of the emergency and humanitarian teams to save the lives of those affected, pointing to a preliminary outcome, with the registration of dozens of victims and injured.

I URGENTLY call you NOW to contribute to saving hundreds of lives, helping the injured and those affected by the severe earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

Once the Target is reached it will go to Ummah Welfare Trust UK. The charity has field teams in both Turkey and Syria who are already mobilising to reach them.