A major 7.2 earthquake rocked eastern Turkey on Sunday, October 23.  First estimates project over 200,000 people are affected.  BBC news reports some 265 people died and 1,140 were injured, according to Interior Minister Idris Naim Sahin.

Nearly 1,000 buildings have been destroyed in the disaster zone, with the town of Ercis the worst hit.

Many impacted families live in remote villages.   ACT Alliance’s Turkish partner, Support to Life, is concentrating its relief efforts on the rural regions.  In a first step, several thousand people are being provided with food and shelter materials. 

Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe und Caritas international kooperieren seit vielen Jahren mit "Support to Life". Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe, ACT Alliance member, has cooperated internationally for many years with the organization "Support to Life." Die Organisation hat große Erfahrung in der Not- und Wiederaufbauhilfe nach schweren Erdbeben, wie im iranischen Bam im Jahr 2003 sowie in Kaschmir in Pakistan im Jahr 2005. The organization has extensive experience in emergency and reconstruction aid after severe earthquakes, as in Bam, Iran in 2003, and in Kashmir in Pakistan in 2005.

The United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will support ACT Alliance relief efforts as well as any which may be undertaken by Global Ministries partners. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Pray for the people and communities in Turkey impacted by this earthquake. 

• To assist people impacted by this disaster, please make a gift to Turkey earthquake relief through
  Disciples' Week of Compassion
  UCC One Great Hour of Sharing

From Our Mission Personnel in Turkey

How do you respond to a 7.2 earthquake... (Ken and Betty Frank)