‘It’s terrible’: Kelowna man reacts to deadly earthquake in his homeland – Okanagan | 24CA News
Onur Guler was shocked to be taught in regards to the lethal earthquake in Turkey.
“We couldn’t believe it,” Guler informed Global News.
Guler was born in Turkey however has lived in Canada for 14 years.
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He mentioned he discovered in regards to the 7.8-magnitude quake on social media.
“We just found out on our social media accounts, and people were asking for help,” he mentioned. “It was midnight in Turkey.”
The earthquake hit the southeastern a part of the nation.
Guler mentioned luckily his household lives in western Turkey and about 2,000 kilometres away from the destruction.
“I spoke to them last night so they’re OK,” Guler mentioned.
However, he additionally is aware of folks that have been immediately impacted.
“We have family friends living in that area. We tried to contact them – they are OK but they lost their buildings. The buildings are destroyed,” Guler mentioned.
Guler owns the Gateway International English Language School in downtown Kelowna.
There are two academics who work there who’re additionally initially from Turkey. They informed Global News via Guler, they have been too upset to talk to media.
While everybody they know again house is alive, the devastation and rising dying toll have been too overwhelming to speak about.
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At final phrase, the dying toll was nearing 4,000 however is predicted to rise dramatically.
Guler is hoping Canadians, together with Okanagan residents, step as much as assist assist the shattered nation.
“The donations … are going to food, medical stuff, and also the people who need some help.”
Corus Entertainment, the father or mother firm of Global News, is supporting the Humanitarian Coalition in its attraction to assist victims of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Donations may be made on-line.
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
