Beverley man remembers family lost in Turkey quake

Ali Tekce lost 11 members of his family in the earthquake that hit Turkey last year

A man who lost 11 members of his family in an earthquake in Turkey a year ago says the region where it happened resembles a "ghost town".

Ali Tekce, from Beverley in East Yorkshire, lost his cousin's family - a husband, wife, mother-in-law, father-in-law and their children.

More than 55,000 people have died in the quake, which happened on 6 February 2023.

Mr Tekce told the BBC he returned to the city of Sanliurfa but said he was left "heartbroken" by the damage which is still being repaired.

"It was like a ghost town. So many buildings were damaged and so many people aren't there anymore," he said.

Living in 'fear'

In the immediate aftermath of the quake, Mr Tekce's parents, brother and sister were forced to live outside in temperatures as low as -15C (5F).

Twelve months on, his family are sleeping together in a single room because of "fear".

"They're trying to adapt to the situation but they're scared. They're worried the earthquake is going to happen again.

"The kids are affected too. They've lost friends, they go to school but their classmates aren't there anymore," the restaurant owner added.

Mr Tekce told the BBC he would continue to support the victims of the earthquake by sending aid from East Yorkshire.

He praised an "army" of volunteers who had helped to collect donations and supplies in Beverley before they were flown to the affected areas.

"It doesn't matter what nationality or what religion you are - you are there for each other if needed," Mr Tekce said.

"I lost a lot of friends but I had to be strong. I had to lead and that was my own way of dealing with it."

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