The Oxford community are rallying to support those affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

Oxford University Turkish Society are running a number of schemes to help support the victims of the earthquake.

The society are gathering tonight at 8pm at Radcliffe Camera to have a moment of silence to commemorate the loss and hardship inflicted on so many.

It has also organised a fundraising movie night at 7pm on Saturday, February 11, and started a fundraiser to support the charities helping the earthquake victims in Turkey.

Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, said: “On behalf of everyone in the City Council and in Oxford, we want to express our shock and sorrow for the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

Our thoughts are with the Turkish and Syrian people and all those delivering the emergency response.

“Our thoughts are also with the Turkish and Syrian communities in Oxford, who will be anxious about their family, friends and compatriots.

This Friday and over the weekend, communities directly impacted by the disaster and wider Oxford communities are organising special prayers for all those affected by this horrific event.

“In the coming days and weeks aid organisations will be asking for our support, the following organisations are already providing frontline relief: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC); MSF UK; Oxfam; The White Helmets; International Rescue Committee” 

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On Monday, February 6, in the early morning, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Turkey and northwestern Syria.

Its tremor was felt as far away as Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Lebanon and Palestine.

A second quake struck just nine hours after the first, with a magnitude of 7.5.

Turkey’s disaster agency has estimated the death toll in the country to be over 6,000, with more than 37,000 people injured.

Syria’s death toll has climbed to over 2,400, and the combined number of people killed in the disaster stands at more than 8,700 people.

The number is expected to rise.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1