after Devastating Earthquake in Turkey
People in Wiltshire have donated clothing and supplies
The communities have joined forces to organize aid for the victims of the “devastating” earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
People across the west of England have set up collections for food and warm clothing, and called on volunteers to help with the local effort.
Collection points at Wiltshire’s Turkish Community Center filled up quickly and families in Bristol have been contacting relatives.
Bath rescuer Rob Davis said the impact was like the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
Rob Davis and his team spent 10 days in Haiti in 2010 to assess whether buildings were safe to use
“Heavy reinforced concrete buildings were destroyed throughout the area,” said Mr. Davis, a Search And Rescue Resistance In Disaster (SARAID) worker.
“The added complication is that it happened when people were in bed, so their reaction time was much slower.
“It’s devastating. It is our job now to find the people who are trapped.”
Mehmet Guvercin said some of his friends died in the earthquake
Mehmet Guvercin, Chair of the Turkish Wiltshire Community (TWC), said: “Most members of the Turkish and Kurdish community here have friends or family who are directly affected.
“A few friends of mine have been confirmed dead, another friend of mine has lost his wife, mother and two sisters.
“In the next few days we will learn more about what happened to other people.”
Tugba Aliya Altun said her community is helping in any way they can
Tugba Aliya Altun, also from TWC, said: “We packed everything from baby food to diapers to adult clothes, everything.
“I feel devastated, but this only eases my pain a little bit because I know I’m helping.”
Henry Aslan, from Bristol, said when he heard the news of the quake he immediately called his family, who live in northern Istanbul.
Volunteers from the Wiltshire Turkish Community Center have been filling vans with supplies destined for Turkey
“They didn’t feel anything, but the east side is terrible,” he said.
“I am so sorry for the people who have lost their families.
“My brother is in Turkey and has trucks. This morning I told him, gas up your truck, get some groceries and drive it to the east side.”
“People are afraid”
The international operations manager of the Wiltshire-based charity Re:Act Disaster Response, Paul Taylor, said his teams would arrive in Turkey on Wednesday morning.
“The first thing we can do is identify the needs of the affected population,” he said.
“It is likely that in these early stages medical supplies, water and shelter due to the temperatures will be critical.
“People are afraid. Psychologically, it can be very exhausting.
“The first phase is a search and rescue phase. Based on that, they will then address humanitarian needs.”
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