In the early hours of this morning, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey, Syria and Lebanon. Search and rescue efforts are being hampered due to snow and bad weather, meaning many injured people are at further risk out in the cold. Homes have been destroyed, hospitals, bridges and roads have been damaged and power is down. With over 40 aftershocks reported, thousands are in urgent need. Red Cross Red Crescent teams are on the ground responding to the disaster and 23 ambulances have already been deployed in Syria alone. The priority right now is rescuing people from the rubble.

The Turkey-Syria Earthquake appeal will cover countries currently affected and those potentially affected in the future. In the unlikely event that we raise more money than can be reasonably and efficiently spent, any surplus funds will be used to help us prepare for and respond to other humanitarian disasters anywhere in the world.