The Bible Society in Turkey has issued an urgent call for funds to provide humanitarian assistance to the scores of people displaced by the twin earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6.

The terrifying magnitude 7.8 and 7.5 quakes on February 6 were echoed by two more powerful quakes just two weeks later, followed by thousands of aftershocks.

As the full scale of the devastation wrought by the earthquakes comes to light, the number of those left homeless has climbed to an estimated 5.5 million people.

“For Syria, this is a crisis within a crisis,” Sivanka Dhanapala, the Syria representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) told Al Jazeera. “We’ve had economic shocks, Covid, and are now in the depths of winter, with blizzards raging in the affected areas.”

Even as rescue and aid workers race against time, those left homeless and exposed to the frigid winter elements are facing a shortage of tents, medication, food, water and basic necessities.

Said Tamar Karasu, General Secretary of the Bible Society in Turkey: “With your fervent prayers, we have obtained a permit from the Commissioner of Charities (COC) for fundraising for Turkey and Syria.

“We call for your support as the Bible Society hopes to help the homeless and comfort the bereaved by providing life-saving aid such as tents, medication, blankets, food and water and clothing, alongside Scripture, in hope of giving tangible encouragement to the afflicted amidst this unspeakable tragedy.”

The Society, together with the World Evangelical Alliance, hopes to raise at least US$200,000 (S$270,000) to support 1,000 families in Turkey and Syria directly affected by the quakes.

“We urge you to consider making a donation, no matter how big or small, to support the relief efforts and bring comfort and help revive the people of Turkey and Syria,” he said.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

At press time, the death toll in Turkey and Syria has been estimated at above 50,000.

To make a donation

Visit bible.org.sg/donate.

Please use your bank app to scan the PayNow QR code or key in the BSS UEN No.: S70SS0023A <PAYNOW QR CODE/>
Indicate <Your Name> and <TKY-SYR> in the Reference field.

Commissioner of Charities Permit No. 0013/2023

MORE UPDATES ON THE TURKEY-SYRIA EARTHQUAKES:

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War in Ukraine. Earthquake in Turkey: Are you paying attention?