A powerful earthquake measuring a magnitude of 7.8 jolted residents of Turkey and North Syria in the early hours of Monday morning. The devastating quake was followed by another powerful quake of 7.6 magnitude that struck at 1:30pm. The result of these quakes has been catastrophic with almost 4,500 people known to have died and the number feared to reach 10,000. In addition, the number of injured is estimated to be around 8,000 and more bodies are still being discovered.

Buildings were destroyed, leaving residents homeless and exposed to freezing cold conditions. Most people are now living in parks and open spaces, fearful of further tremors. Aid agencies from around the world are responding to the disaster, but the injured desperately need medical aid, food, warmth, clothing, and safety.

Taskforce GLM in partnership with Islamic Relief, is on the ground in North Syria and Turkey. Mohammed Hamza, Head of Islamic Relief’s office in Idlib, Northwest Syria, who was with his family at the time of the earthquakes, witnessed the destruction first-hand and said,

‘It was 4am and I woke up to the house shaking from side to side. Everything was shaking, bricks were falling out. It felt like Judgement Day and everything would be completely destroyed. My wife was screaming and I went to my children but I didn’t know what we could do. We fled outside and saw thousands of people on the streets with just the clothes on their backs. People were shouting for their lost children – whole families were separated and lost. So many buildings were totally destroyed and I saw tens of people under the rubble, with crowds trying to pull them out.’

Taskforce GLM is appealing for donations to provide vital medical supplies, cash grants for families to purchase food and other essentials, and shelter for families. There is a 100% donations policy with every donation making a difference.

• £50 can provide medical supplies
• £80 can provide a cash grant for a family
• £168 can provide shelter for two families

The Messenger of Allah (God), Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, ‘Give the Sadaqah (charity) without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity’. Allah says, ‘Never will you attain righteousness until you spend from that which you love. And whatever you spend, indeed Allah is Knowing of it.’ [Surah Al-‘Imran, verse 92]

In these difficult times, Taskforce GLM calls upon the community to donate generously and bring forward any Zakat (charitable tax) that is being saved for Ramadan. Visit www.taskforceglm.org/product/earthquake to donate and help those affected by this tragedy. The generous donations can bring hope and comfort to those in need.