International development charity, Christian Aid, has launched an emergency appeal to help people impacted by the devastating earthquakes that struck southern Turkey and northern Syria on 6 February.
So far, the death toll nears 17,000 with many thousands more left seriously injured along with the widespread devastation of homes, buildings, roads and energy infrastructure.
Christian Aid already works with local partners in Northwest Syria. As the area is being hit by a cold winter front, the charity is funding winter kits to people seeking shelter. These kits include plastic sheeting, mattresses, blankets, and heating materials.
Rescue workers are desperately searching for survivors in cities and towns across the area.
Before the devastating earthquakes, there were over four million people in need of aid in northwest Syria. Three million of those having been displaced by the long conflict in the country.
Now extreme weather events and the spiraling costs of food and fuel prices due are making the situation even worse. The people are facing a crisis upon a crisis.
It is not too late to save lives.
“The scenes from this disaster are heartbreaking,” said Patrick Watt, CEO of Christian Aid.
“We are hopeful that the British public will show the same spirit of solidarity and compassion that we saw in the aftermath of the invasion of Ukraine a year ago.
“Every prayer, every gift, every action brings hope to people hit by disaster. By joining us, you can help people in need rebuild their lives.”
Christian Aid has launched an emergency appeal. If you would like to donate, please do so here.
Prayer:
God of time and space, we cry to you for your children – our neighbours – in southern Turkey and northern Syria, following the earthquakes that have devastated thousands of lives. Only they and you know what it is like to experience such trauma in the middle of the night.
We give thanks for the aid that is already being given and for the promises of help that have been made by many nations.
Comfort, we pray,
those who are trapped in collapsed buildings;
those who have lost loved ones;
those who wait for news and
those digging through rubble to save others.
Grant the gift of hope so that those caught between life and death know that you are with them and that others are ready to support them as they seek a future that overshadows the experiences of today.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, who endured so much for love of them.
Amen
Image: A still from a newsreel/Sky News/YouTube.