Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever relieves a Muslim of a burden from the burdens of the world, Allah will relieve them of a burden from the burdens on the Day of Judgement.”
Seeing images of devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck southeastern Turkey and Syria on Monday, several Muslim charities have launched appeals to help those affected on the ground.
The earthquake hit at 4:17 am, followed by aftershocks as large as 6.4 and 6.5 magnitudes respectively only minutes later, leaving at least 2,300 people dead across both Turkey and Syria.
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A 7.8 earthquake has hit #Turkiye & #Syria – 1300 people have reportedly been killed, thousands more injured.
— Islamic Relief (@IRWorldwide) February 6, 2023
Islamic Relief teams on the ground are assessing the situation & planning an urgent response.
Our thoughts & prayers are with the victims during this devastating time. pic.twitter.com/t0sBM3HJou
“Islamic Relief teams are on the ground right now responding to the disaster in both Turkiye and Syria. We are providing medical supplies to local hospitals, supporting their capacity to treat those who are injured,” Islamic Relief wrote in an appeal.
“Help save precious lives and donate now to our Turkiye Syria Earthquake Appeal.”
The earthquake has caused extensive damage across multiple cities and towns. Currently, ongoing rescue operations are taking place on the ground in a desperate bid to save lives.
“Every building was shaking, people were shouting for their lost children and I saw so many people under the rubble,” said Mohammed Hamza, Head of Islamic Relief Syria’s Idleb Office.
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Relief Efforts
Another Muslim charity, Muslim Hands, has also launched an appeal to help the country hit by one of the “deadliest earthquake in 20 years.”
“Following the record earthquake, dozens of aftershocks have been reported as relief operations are underway in freezing, snowy weather, searching for people trapped beneath piles of rubble in cities along the Türkiye-Syria border,” Helping Hands for Relief and Development wrote.
“HHRD has launched a $5 million appeal to help the victims in Türkiye. Immediate assistance with shelter relief, basic food, water, warm clothes, first aid, hygiene kits, and much more is required during this devastating time.”
Muslim Aid UK said they were working on the ground to provide help, urging people to donate and support their mission.
The last earthquake of this magnitude to hit Turkey was in 1939 and it killed 30,000 people. The people of Syria and Turkey need our help.
— Muslim Aid UK (@Muslim_Aid) February 6, 2023
Donate now to save liveshttps://t.co/YKZWaXULWM
READ Foundation has also launched a Launchgood appeal for Turkey and Syria.
“Initial reports indicate the impact has been devastating in areas that already host a high number of displaced and vulnerable families, who have fled the civil war in Syria,” the appeal read.
“READ Foundation is on the ground right now working in close coordination with the local authorities to provide vital assistance to affected families who are in urgent need.
“Help our local team in Turkey to provide urgent relief to survivors of this shocking tragedy.”
The appeal for $25,000 has raised more than $45,000 within a few hours.