The UK’s Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has launched an appeal to assist hundreds of thousands of people affected by earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
Aid organisations in the United Kingdom, including the British Red Cross, Oxfam, and ActionAid, are banding together to raise funds.
Following the earthquakes, funds will be directed towards medical aid, emergency shelter, food, and clean water.
On Thursday evening, the appeal will be broadcast on television.
Over 15,000 people have died, and the number is expected to rise.
Thousands of buildings were destroyed in the disaster, and rescuers have been searching for survivors among the rubble. According to the DEC, many people have lost their homes, leaving them without shelter in the freezing winter conditions.
The UK government will match the first £5 million in public donations. The funds raised will also be used to purchase blankets, warm clothing, and heaters for safe spaces.
The Scottish government has also pledged £500,000, and the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Scotland will launch an official appeal on Thursday.
“This earthquake has caused a huge amount of damage and significant loss of life that will be felt for some time to come,” said First Minister Nicola Sturgeon of the scenes in Turkey and Syria.
DEC chief executive Saleh Saeed described the scenes in Turkey and Syria as “heartbreaking”, with thousands “losing loved ones suddenly in the most shocking of ways”.
He said: “We know that money is tight for many people here in the UK as the cost of living crisis continues but, if you can, please do donate to support people caught up in this deadly disaster.”