UK relief effort now under way to help earthquake victims

The Disaster Emergencies Committee (DEC) has also launched an appeal to help Turkey and the UK government has promised to match donations up to £5 million.

A spokesperson said: “People have been left without shelter in freezing winter conditions, with humanitarian needs expected to grow in the coming days.

“Access to clean water will likely be a challenge, bringing the risk of cholera and other diseases.

“DEC charities and their local partners are among the first responders, working with locally-led relief efforts in Turkey (now known as Türkiye) and Syria.

“Immediate priorities are search and rescue, medical treatment for the injured, shelter for those who have lost their homes, heaters for spaces and winter kits with blankets, and warm clothes, and ensuring people have food and clean water. “

A donation of £30 could provide blankets for six people or £50 could provide emergency food for two families for 10 days.

• To donate go to the DEC website or call 0370 6060610.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.