Turkey-Syria earthquake: UK charities to launch DEC disaster appeal

An appeal is being started by the UK's Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to help hundreds of thousands of people affected by earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria.

DEC which includes several charities - including the British Red Cross, Oxfam and ActionAid - are joining together to raise money for aid and support.

Funds will go towards medical supplies, emergency shelter, food and clean water after the quakes injured thousands of people.

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck during the early hours of Monday morning. This was followed a few hours later by a second earthquake in the same region, which had a magnitude of 7.5.

Details of the appeal will be broadcast on television on Thursday evening.

The damage caused by the earthquakes in Syria is of particular concern for aid agencies, as a difficult situation is made more challenging because of the continuing conflict in the country.

Meanwhile Oxfam, one of the charities helping, say freezing temperatures in both countries have made conditions difficult for rescue teams and survivors - with snow and ice on the ground and dark cloudy skies making it hard to see.

Aid has already been arriving in Syria and Turkey from all over the world, with promises of more help on the way.

Below are some ideas of how you could get involved in helping too.

1. Be kind and supportive

One great way to help is by showing kindness to people you may know or meet.

There might be lots of children in your school, churches, mosques or towns who might be directly affected by what's happened in Turkey and Syria. Their family heritage may be from Turkey or Syria.

You can offer support and friendship, which won't cost money, but can be very valuable at a difficult time.

2. Giving to charity

Turkish Red Crescent give out hot meals to earthquake victims

There are lots of charities out there, but before you donate any money, speak to your parents or teacher to make sure the charity you chose is the best fit for you.

The British Red Cross were one of the first big UK charities to start a appeal.

They are working with the Turkish Red Crescent and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent on the ground, "providing urgent support" and help evacuate people to safety.

Oxfam is another charity that has an appeal which will focus on providing "protection, water and sanitation, shelter and food". They will also look at the longer term needs of victims, after the destruction caused by the quakes.

The weather is very cold in the areas where the quakes took place, so charity Save the Children are also checking what is needed.

James Denselow from the charity said: "Providing shelter is the most urgent type of aid from our perspective."

3. Doing a fundraiser at school

If you'd like to do a fundraiser at school it's best to ask your teacher, or head teacher, for advice on what you can do.

One example is Sherborne Abbey Primary School, Dorset, who will have a non-uniform day on Friday and ask pupils to donate 50p - with the money going to The Red Cross.

But there are loads of ways to raise money, such as sponsored walks, bake sales or even school fairs.

4. Speak to your local church, mosque or community centre

People collected items at this cafe in Bournemouth

There are many local groups who have started to collect items for victims of the earthquakes.

Dilek Oksuz, whose mother owns a café in Bournemouth, asked the community on social media and lots has been collected. "I am gobsmacked, I wasn't expecting this myself. We just thought a small help would be enough but this is way more," she said.

People have donated sanitary products, clothes and nappies all of which will be transported to Turkey on a cargo flight.

However, be mindful that not everything you think you want to donate will be useful, so it is best to check with the organisers and with charity shops what items are actually needed before donating anything.