A BRADFORD-based charity has launched an appeal to help those affected by the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

The death toll from the earthquake and its aftershocks in Turkey and Syria is in the region of 16,000, with tens of thousands of people thought to have lost their homes and around 60,000 injured.

In its appeal, the Human Relief Foundation said: “The response and rescue situation has been rapid and ongoing, as the destructive forces unleashed by the quakes become evident in the first light of morning.

“Buildings and infrastructure collapsed, leaving hundreds of thousands of people, including many Syrian refugees already displaced by conflict, without homes, power and water.

“Both death toll and casualty figures are expected to rise dramatically as emergency services begin take stock of the situation.”

It added: “International aid is urgently required to assist local emergency services to save the lives of those still trapped and provide food and shelter for those displaced by the destruction.

“Human Relief Foundation is ready to mobilise our partners on the ground in Turkey to provide shelter, food, blankets, carpet and fuel to those in desperate need.

“Please donate now to help us help those affected by this terrible situation.”

You can donate to the charity's appeal by clicking here.

The Ummah Welfare Trust also has an appeal. It has teams in both Turkey and Syria that are already mobilising to help those in need - click here to see the appeal. 

The Penny Appeal is also supporting the relief effort - its appeal can be accessed here.

A moment of reflection in Bradford

 

Bradford Council will be holding a moment of silence and reflection tomorrow (Friday, February 10) in solidarity with all those affected.

It will take place at 11am in Centenary Square.

This will be led by Reverend Pete Gunstone, Interim Precentor from Bradford Cathedral, and will be attended by the Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Martin Love.

All are welcome to attend and pay their respects.

Lord Mayor of Bradford Cllr Martin Love said: “I would like to extend my condolences and thoughts to everyone who has been affected, or caught up in this unfolding tragedy. 

"We have many people from the region who live and work in the Bradford district and we are deeply saddened by the loss of so many lives and the destruction now faced by survivors of this horrific disaster.

“Bradford district residents are known for being very generous and it’s therefore no surprise that local community groups as well as national groups are already mobilising to help in terms of fundraising and aid.”

"Anyone wishing to make a donation can find a list of charities supporting the relief effort on the Disaster Emergency Committee website www.dec.org.uk/appeal/turkey-Syria-earthquake-appeal."

Are you holding an event/organising a fundraiser to help those affected by the earthquakes? Email us at newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk

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