Earthquake Strikes Eastern Turkey & Houston’s Turkish Community Responds (KTRK-Channel 13)
Houston’s large Turkish community reacted Sunday to a powerful earthquake that shook their homeland. A 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit eastern turkey on Sunday. Its epicenter was about 12-miles northeast of the city of Van. More than 100 people were initially reported killed and hundreds more were injured as residents fled into the streets, screaming in a panic with buildings collapsing around them. (Update: As of this publication the death toll is 217, and expected to rise.)
There are about 8,000 Turkish Americans in Houston. Many of them spent the afternoon trying to find out about loved ones in the earthquake zone.
(Full story & video here)
How Houstonians can respond:
Currently we recommend these charities if you wish to aid efforts.
- Raindrop Turkish House – A local nonprofit with connection on the ground in Turkey, they can offer suggestions or coordinate giving.
- Red Cross International Response Fund – Through the American Red Cross’s association with the International Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies they can assist in directing donations to the effected area.
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