Following the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, churches and rescuers from international bodies are standing up to provide housing and supplies to victims.
As of Tuesday, the death toll has passed 5,000 and might rise more, as a lot of people remain trapped under the rubble of the earthquake. According to the World Health Organization, it is predicted that the death toll can rise to tens of thousands in a few days. Massive support from churches and international rescue teams is rising to assist the millions of victims of the Turkey and Syria earthquake.
President Erdogan of Turkey has announced a three-month state of emergency following the incident of the earthquake on Monday.
Many orthodox churches in Syria are offering their place of worship to shelter victims of the huge disaster. They have also provided food and other basics to them.
Martin Leach, Tearfund’s regional lead, said in a statement to Premier that the winter is not helping both the rescuers and the victims. He said; “Buildings have collapsed, homes have collapsed, roads, infrastructure damaged. And just remember this is right in the middle of winter, and winter is serious here, it is cold here, it is freezing, there is snow on the ground.” “So if you have to leave your building or home and go out into the street with no protection it is really bad. Many thousands of people have lost everything, loved ones, money, jobs.”
He also confirmed that Churches had opened their sanctuary to give shelter to the victims of the earthquake. Leach in his words said; “They have opened some of their churches as a shelter point, so people can come and be safe, be warm, get a hot meal and something to drink. And also they are looking at bringing some blankets and clothes so that people that have had to escape their homes have something to keep them going for the future,”
On Tuesday, Operation Blessing also announced on their official Twitter handle that its International Disaster Relief team is also on the way to Turkey to help in the rescue of the earthquake victims.
