Manchester charity Human Appeal has launched an initial emergency response to the destruction left in the wake of a Magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck off the coast of Izmir, Turkey’s third largest city.

The quake, which was felt in both Athens and Istanbul, also caused a mini-tsunami that has flooded Izmir.

It is estimated that 20 buildings have collapsed in Izmir, with around 70 people rescued from the rubble so far and over 100 people injured. Tragically, six people have lost their lives so far.

As with the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Sivrice in January this year, to which Human Appeal also responded, the first 72 hours are critical in getting aid to those affected.

Despite their Turkey HQ in Gaziantep being a nearly 13-hour drive away from Izmir, Human Appeal, in partnership with the Turkish Red Crescent, has launched a $5,000 initial emergency response which will support emergency kitchens that have been set up to provide meals for those in need. The charity will be providing things that people need for a hot cooked meal tonight like meat, rice and tomato paste, as well as drinking water and dry food like biscuits.

Human Appeal will continue to monitor the recovery effort as it unfolds and has pledged to offer further support if needed.

Dr Mohamed Ashmawey, Human Appeal CEO said:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Izmir and everyone affected by this terrible earthquake. The scale of the damage and loss is not yet known, however at Human Appeal we are committed to doing what we can to help people both immediately, and in rebuilding their lives and their city afterwards.”

Ubeyd Sakin, Human Appeal’s Head of Mission to Turkey said:

“It is tragic to see such destruction brought upon Turkey once again by an earthquake of this magnitude. Human Appeal is doing everything possible with our partners to get emergency assistance to the people who need it most. People’s homes and lives have been destroyed in an instant, it is the worst position for any human to be in, and we’ll approach this awful situation with every ounce of compassion as we give people the help they need.”

Notes to Editors

Zaheer Khan, Human Appeal’s Director of Fundraising and Ubeyd Sakin, Human Appeal’s head of Mission to Turkey are available for interview and comment. For this or any other enquiries, please contact Sam Baxter on 07495 708236.

A selection of images from the aftermath of the earthquake and initial recovery efforts in Izmir is available here: https://media.humanappeal.net/?c=3123&k=41bad7bf5b (all photos credited to Turkish Red Crescent)

Human Appeal is a humanitarian relief charity, established in a flat in Manchester in 1991 and now active in 25 countries. We carry out emergency relief campaigns in response to man-made and

natural disasters, as well as long-term sustainable development projects designed to lift people out of poverty and create resilient communities.