What UK aid is being sent to the Turkey-Syria earthquake victims and how you can help
A destructive earthquake and relentless aftershocks have left the Turkey-Syria border in ruins.
The tremors caused thousands of family's homes to crumble, with more than tens of thousands of people killed and the death toll continues to rise.
As extreme weather batters the region, many have been left homeless and exposed to sub-zero temperatures and snow storms.
In response, charities have set up emergency funds and rescue teams have descended on the region, with thousands of emergency personnel now on the ground.
What UK aid is being sent to Turkey and Syria?
On Thursday, around 70 members of the UK International Search and Rescue Team arrived in Turkey to assist with the search operation. The team of volunteers, which included firefighters, medics, engineers and vets, was joined by crews from at least 24 countries.
Earlier this week, a plane carrying 77 UK search and rescue specialists, state-of-the-art equipment and four search dogs landed in Gaziantep on Tuesday after a request from the Turkish government. The team, made up of firefighters and staff from 14 services from across the country, will cut their way into buildings and help locate survivors in the rubble of the earthquakes. Their specialist equipment includes seismic listening devices, concrete cutting and breaking equipment and propping and shoring tools. An emergency medical team was also on the flight.
How can I help the victims and survivors of the earthquake?
In the hours after the earthquake hit, emergency funds were set up to help those caught up in the disaster.
The best way to help victims and survivors is to donate through reputable charities.
Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) - The DEC is co-ordinating a joint rapid response by 14 charities including the British Red Cross, Oxfam and Save the Children. The government has committed to match the first £5m of donations made by the British public. Donate here.
Red Cross - The Turkish Red Crescent has teams in more than 10 regions across the country, while the Syrian Arab Red Crescent is delivering assistance and support to those in need in the regions of Hama, Aleppo and Lattakia giving emergency first aid and evacuating people to safety. Donate here.
UNICEF - The charity is working to ensure water supply by setting up station, sanitation and food. Teams are also working to protect unaccompanied children and reunite those who have become separated from their families. Donate here.
Oxfam - Teams from the charity in Turkey and Syria are assessing, with partner organisations, how best to provide aid. The Turkish branch is working with around 80 women’s cooperatives in ten provinces most affected by the quake. Donate here.
Save the Children - The charity is prioritising children and their families, who have lost everything. It plans to give them what they need to survive, from thermal blankets, to meals and medical supplies. Donate here.
Islamic Relief - In Turkey, the teams are helping with emergency food, shelter and cash grants. In Syria, Islamic Relief will be providing health and medical supplies to hospitals and clinics, as well as blankets and tents for those made homeless. Donate here.
Charities from Turkey and Syria
White Helmets - The grassroots Syrian organisation is made-up of volunteers whose aim is to save lives. All 3000 volunteers are on the ground searching for survivors and pulling the dead from collapsed buildings. Donate via The Syria Campaign.
Turkish Red Crescent - Similar to the Red Cross, the Turkish Red Crescent gives humanitarian help to those in disaster zones. The team hopes to reach more earthquake victims and help them with food and shelter. Donate here.
To donate items rather than money
Across the UK, donation drop off points are being set up by smaller charities to be delivered to Turkey. Many are asking for items including coats, boots, jumpers, trousers, gloves, scarves, socks, underwear, tens, bedding, tents, blankets, sleeping bags, flasks, torches (without batteries), canned food, nappies, sanitary pads and cleaning products.
The following is a selection of those across the UK
Karahasanlilar U.K, based in East London
Woolston Learning Centre, based in Southampton
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