Saskatchewan immigrants react to Turkey-Syria earthquake | 24CA News

Painful aftershocks of the devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkey are being felt around the globe.

The dying toll rose Wednesday to greater than 11,000 within the deadliest quake worldwide in additional than a decade.

In Saskatchewan, Turkish and Syrian immigrants have been left grappling with the aftermath of the catastrophe.

Some have misplaced household and pals, whereas others have been lucky sufficient to listen to good news.

“This morning we got the news from one of my friends that one of their girls who is six to seven years old, she is alive, and we are so happy,” mentioned Murat Tercan, a Regina resident. For others in Tercan’s life, it has been a troublesome few days.

“My other friend who is a painter in Regina, he has lost his family,” Tercan defined. “His brother, wife, kids all have died, so we had a dinner here together and we stay and try to help him.”

0:27‘We ask that you pray’: Regina resident reacts to devastating earthquake in Turkey

The 7.8 magnitude quake has left hundreds in each Syria and Turkey stranded ready for assist. Search groups from greater than two dozen international locations have joined tens of hundreds of native emergency personnel, and support pledges have poured in from around the globe to help individuals impacted by the catastrophe.

For Saskatoon resident Rana Mustafa, her household has been in troublesome circumstances even earlier than the earthquake, as they solely had electrical energy out there for half-hour each 5 hours.

“They’re in survival mode,” Mustafa mentioned whereas pausing to gather her ideas.

Now with the aftermath of the earthquake, communication has turn into much more troublesome.

“Things are out of order and they didn’t have internet or electricity for quite a while,” Mustafa mentioned. “They didn’t have internet or a charged phone, so I was unable to know what was going on after the second earthquake.”

Breanne England, a Red Cross spokesperson, mentioned individuals wouldn’t have shelter from the weather and are out sleeping on the streets in chilly situations with out insulation.

“It is really important to imagine what is happening on the ground right now,” England mentioned. “If you don’t have any shelter from the elements and it’s snowing and freezing, this is a life and death situation.”

People are invited to volunteer each internationally and domestically by means of the Red Cross on their web site in addition to assist by means of monetary contributions.

As a part of the aid efforts in Saskatchewan, Sasktel has introduced will probably be waiving all long-distance calls and messaging charges comprised of Canada to Syria or Turkey.

“Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by the deadly earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey earlier this week,” mentioned Don Morgan, Minister Responsible for SaskTel.

“In times of crisis, it’s important that we come together as a community to support those who need it and assist where possible. To the Turkish and Syrian families who call this province home, please know that Saskatchewan is here for you.”

The waive in charges will happen from Feb. 9 to Feb 28. 2023.

1:07Blinken says lack of life from earthquake in Turkey, Syria ‘truly staggering, shocking’

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