Relief efforts are underway in the two countries after the earthquake, one of the strongest to hit the region in more than 100 years, struck on Monday, leveling buildings and leaving thousands dead or injured. The earthquake was followed by a 7.5-magnitude temblor only hours later.
The two quakes, along with at least 120 aftershocks, have caused tremendous destruction in Turkey and Syria. Turkey’s Disaster Management Authority said on Wednesday that the death toll there had passed 8,500, while the combined death toll from figures provided by Syrian authorities operating in government-controlled and insurgent-held areas topped 2,600.
Authorities have warned that the figures could continue to rise and that the chances of finding survivors under the rubble are rapidly diminishing amid freezing temperatures.
In wake of the tragedy, the Christian organization Samaritan’s Purse announced it’s deploying a 52-bed Emergency Field Hospital and at least 75 staff to Turkey to address the immediate medical needs of families impacted by the devastation. The hospital will include two emergency operating rooms.
The organization is also airlifting critically needed items into Turkey.
Amid the devastation, many families have taken to sleeping in churches, convents or even hospitals.
Other international Christian relief organizations responding to the crisis include First Hope Association, World Vision and Send Relief.