“A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southeast Turkey and Syria early Monday, toppling hundreds of buildings and killing and injuring thousands of people.
A frantic race is underway to find more survivors and help the wounded as the death toll surpassed 7,000 as of Tuesday afternoon. The toll is likely to climb further as freezing weather and multiple aftershocks, including a 7.5 magnitude quake, have hampered the rescue efforts.
Many governments and aid groups have rushed to dispatch personnel, funds and equipment to help the rescue efforts in quake-stricken areas.
Here are some organizations involved in relief efforts in Syria and Turkey that you can help:
Before You Give
It’s always important to verify smaller organizations or those you are unfamiliar with before considering a donation. You check a charity’s legitimacy on Charity Navigator, which provides analysis of charities’ finances and rates their transparency. The Better Business Bureau’s Give.org also evaluates charities based on reviews, complaints, transparency and finances.
Islamic Relief
Islamic Relief is on the ground in Turkey providing emergency medical assistance, shelter and cash grants to survivors. In Syria, the organization is working to provide health and medical supplies to hospitals and clinics, as well as blankets and tents for those who were made homeless by the Earthquake. Click here to donate.“
To learn more and donate, visit irusa.org.“