Earthquake in Turkey and Syria
Last Updated: 10th February 2023, 14:15
Here at Birkbeck Students’ Union, we extend our concern and sympathies to students affected by this tragedy. We encourage you to reach out to Birkbeck’s Wellbeing Services if you are impacted or need emotional support for any reason.
So far, almost 22,000 people have died after a devastating earthquake struck the Turkish district of Khramanmaras in the early hours of Monday morning. With a magnitude of 7.7, this was one of the deadliest earthquakes in the past decade, especially with the numerous aftershocks impacting areas in Southern Turkey and Northern Syria.
Crisis responders are working to rescue trapped victims as quickly as possible, but the true extent of the damage is currently unknown, as entire cities have been reduced to rubble. Extreme cold weather and lack of shelter pose a threat to survivors, who struggle to stay warm and fed. The World Health Organisation predicts that overall, 23 million people will be affected by the earthquake, and has promised long term assistance.
In addition to national and international efforts, some London students have launched some initiatives to help, including UCL, Greenwich University, and King’s College London. Local Syrian and Turkish communities have also rallied together to take action; with grassroots organisations calling out for donations and volunteers.
There are a number of organisations collecting donations of warm clothing across London.
- List of collection points on the London Muslim Instagram page
- Closer to campus, the Palestinian-Lebanese restaurant, Hiba Street Food (off Tottenham Court Rd.) are fundraising. They are also collecting donations at: Suleymaniye Mosque, 212-216 Kingsland Road, Hackney, London, E2 8AX.
If you would like to help, there are some charities you can donate to directly by clicking on the links below:
- AHBAP
- Turkey Mozaik Foundation
- British Red Cross and Red Crescent (Syria and Turkey)
- White Helmets
- Doctors Without Borders
- IHH (Humanitarian Relief Foundation)
If you are collecting donations or know of anyone doing so, and would like us to add this on our page, please contact studentsunion@bbk.ac.uk.
