Devastating Earthquake Leaves Kurds Short of Shelter

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The 7.2 earthquake in the Kurdish city of Van, in eastern Turkey has left 600,000 people affected and left homeless. The total death toll has risen to 471 and 1,650 people injured.

The response to aid the victims have been disappointing, complain the victims. “We are short of tents. It’s a major problem. We lack supplies, but honestly the aid delivery organization is also problematic,” said Deputy Mayor Cahit Bozbay (2)

The Turkish Red Crescent is taking heat from the people, wondering if their lack of immediate support was due to the fact that they are Kurds. Turkish Red Crescent worked swiftly and quickly providing tents, food, clothes, etc. to the Syrian refugees fleeing its government’s atrocity.

The winter is around the corner and weather has been forecasted the on-going rain to turn into snow within few days, leaving the tens of thousands of roof and shelter-less people on the mercy of cold. “After 15 days, half of the people here will die, freeze to death,” said a resident Orhan Ogunc.

People are in desperate need and there are multiple venues available to help the people. Listed below are few websites accepting donations:

http://www.sarmasik-efeu.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62&Itemid=63

http://kurdistan.org/earthquakehelp/

http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/turkey-earthquake-relief-and-recovery-fund/

And the Twitter account #Donate1Tent4Van