The tragedy that has unfolded in Turkey and Syria is terrible, and I am deeply saddened by the loss of thousands of lives following two powerful earthquakes on Monday 6 February. My condolences go out to all those with loved ones who have died or are missing.
The scale of this humanitarian disaster is immense. Thousands are already confirmed dead, with that number expected to rise, infrastructure has been flattened, and hundreds remain trapped in buildings that have collapsed.
With so many people across our country with close ties of family and friendship to both countries, it is essential that the UK play its part.
The Foreign Secretary must convene our international counterparts to coordinate and scale up a response proportionate to this humanitarian disaster. Current pressures on the aid budget should not be allowed to hamper a swift response.
The British Red Cross have launched the Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal, which has already raised over £2million. These funds will support the relief effort and help people who have lost loved ones and those who have been left with nothing.
If you can, do consider donating online to support the relief efforts and coordinate the emergency response.
If you are concerned about loved ones, friends or family members that may have been directly impacted by this tragedy or remain missing, please see the following advice provided by The British Red Cross:
- If you are concerned about British nationals, you should contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on 0207 008 5000.
- If you are not a British national, please contact your Embassy.
- If you have not been successful in finding a relative through normal means of communication or through their embassy, the Red Cross may be able to help and are awaiting an update as to whether the Turkish and Syrian authorities are setting up a hotline for people to use directly or whether the Turkish and Syrian Arab Red Crescent Societies will have the capacity on the ground to deal with tracing requests themselves. Please regularly consult the Restoring Family Links Website for updates. In the meantime, The British Red Cross are advising people to keep trying with their usual means of communication as these may resume once telecommunications are restored in the areas hit.
- For those in-country, local emergency services can be contacted by dialling 112 in Turkey and 113 in Syria, although please be advised these lines are being inundated with calls.
