Earthquake strikes Van region of eastern Turkey

On 23^rd October, eastern Turkey was struck by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake, devastating the area around the historic city of Van, nearly 600 miles east of Ankara, close to the border with Iran. The town of Erciş was especially badly hit.

Hundreds of people died, and several thousand others injured.

Tens of thousands of people have lost their homes and possessions and are having to sleep outdoors in the bitterly cold winter weather. Many of these people are at severe risk, and the first priority is to care for them.

Turkish churches are working together to send relief supplies – blankets, winter clothes, hygiene articles and food to help those in need.

Turkey is vulnerable to devastating earthquakes

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Red shows location of October 2011 quake in far east

UPDATE: By early November, more than 500 people were known to have died in the initial quake, with others still unaccounted for, and around 2500 injured. On 9th November, a powerful aftershook caused more buildings to collapse, killing more than 30 people.

We will channel help through the church at Van. They are providing meals to those who have lost the means to make meals for themselves. Beyond those whose houses have been destroyed or damaged, many have also lost their fuel supplies, and so can't heat food.
Each meal will cost about £0.80. Many are needed.

This remote area of Turkey has a few churches and many scattered Christians – many of them converts from our Kanal Hayat Christian TV programmes.

We want to give special care to the Christian families. But this is also an opportunity to help Turkish Christians show that they are compassionate members of society who have something to offer. This will be a strong witness to many of the Muslim population, and will give practical expression to the broadcasts.

Please help us to stand with our Turkish brothers and sisters as they help their countrymen in need. Your donations will buy very much needed help for traumatised families who have lost everything.

HOW TO DONATE

1) Online - click the Donate Now button. Payment options now include PayPal

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