How West Midlands fire fighters are helping Turkey earthquake victims & how you can too

Firefighters from the West Midlands have flown thousands of miles to Turkey to help rescue the victims of the devastating earthquake. The West Midlands Fire Service have shared terrifying images and videos of the scenes in the country.

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake on February 6 coupled with aftershocks led to multiple apartment buildings collapsing across Turkey and neighbouring Syria. It was the deadliest earthquake since the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Eight West Midlands fire fighters flew to Ataya in Turkey to rescue residents for whom every minute counts. The death toll is estimated to be around 17,000 already and almost 70,000 people were injured.

More and more people, dead and alive, are being rescued from under the tonnes of rubble - and West Midlands Fire fighters are part of the UK International Search and Rescue Team Responding team who are on ground. Rescue teams from several countries have responded and flown out to Turkey to help.

Watch Commander Shyam Rana said: “We have been on the ground, we have been rescuing people in what has been a horrendous disaster. The sector we have been given is a city called Ataya. It seems like every other building has collapsed. Loads of rescue teams are here doing loads of good work.

“So far, we have rescued dozens of people but there are lots more trapped. People we can hear screaming through the rubble but we are going to do our best to rescue as many people as we can.”

The epicentre of the earthquake was near the city of Gaziantep - which is near Syria - and the second quake of a magnitude of 7.5 had an epicentre in the Elbistan district of Kahramanmaras province.

How Birmingham is helping Turkey at home

Birmingham will be honouring the earthquake victims in Turkey through a show of solidarity. The Library of Birmingham will be lit in the Turkish flag colours – red and white – tonight (Friday, February 10).

People are also being asked to donate supplies, including medical supplies.

Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Maureen Cornish, is also urging people to donate what they can to help those who have lost everything in th disaster, including clothes and medical supplies.

Lord Mayor said: “I am deeply saddened by these devastating earthquakes which have so far claimed more than 15,000 lives and leaving millions homeless. Many in our city will be affected by this and my sympathy is with you.

“I am urging people to donate what they can to help with this international appeal to get help, support and aid to those areas affected and all those displaced by this disaster.”

Cllr John Cotton, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, added: “These people have lost everything without warning – not just possessions, but homes, loved ones and their lives, in two horrific earthquakes within hours of each other.

“If you’re able to donate, please do. A donations of any amount will help the DEC Appeal with what will be a major international operation to ensure that aid reaches all of those who need help following this appalling and tragic disaster.”

Birmingham-based international charity Islamic Relief has been collecting donations for Turkey as well and have their staff on the ground to help with relief work.

The charity’s regional fundraiser told the BBC: “It’s just amazing to have communities come together. This is amazing but right now, the need that is required is medical equipment, hygiene kits, blankets, tents and food.”

How to donate

Birmingham City Council is recommending that any citizens who wish to support the aid effort make their donations through the following routes:

The Disasters Emergency Committee – The UK Government will match pound-for-pound, up to £5 million donated by the public to this appeal. You can read more about it on the DEC website.