Kind-hearted Dubliners have launched a fundraiser to help victims of the devastating earthquakes which hit Turkey and Syria earlier today.
The powerful quake of 7.8 magnitude hit southern Turkey and northern Syria this morning. It was followed by a further quake of 7.5 in Turkey in the early afternoon.
Latest reports estimate the death toll from the disaster to be 2,300 while almost 10,000 people are believed to have been injured. Nearly 2,800 search and rescue teams have been deployed in the disaster-stricken areas.
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A GoFundMe page has been launched by Dubs with the aim of raising €5,000 for the relief effort. At the time of writing, almost €2,500 has already been raised.
The campaign page reads: "This morning, the world stood still as we watched the news of the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey. The images and videos of the destruction and loss of life were heart-wrenching. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this tragedy."
Funds raised will be sent to the Search and Rescue Association and will be used to provide food, shelter and medical aid to those affected by the quake. Organisers of the fund added: "This is a call to action, a call for us to come together and support our fellow human beings in their time of need.
"No donation is too small, and every bit helps. Let us show the world that in times of crisis, we stand together as a global community."
A school in Cork has confirmed its pupils are safe and well and have not been caught up in the tragedy. Pupils and staff from Coláiste Éamon Rís, on St Patrick's Road in Turner's Cross were on a stopover in Istanbul and had not yet travelled as planned to the city of Malatya where the quake hit.
The school said in a statement: "Our staff and students in Turkey are all fine. The earthquake has struck their destination of Malatya but, thankfully, they had stopped in Istanbul and had not reached their (partner) school yet. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost their lives and homes."
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