Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

On 6 February 2023 two earthquakes caused devastation and destruction in southern Turkey and northern Syria, a region which had already been significantly affected by 12 years of war in Syria, with many Syrians seeking refuge in Turkey. Subsequent tremors and a third earthquake on 20 February have further impacted the region. The death toll has exceeded 45,000 people and continues to grow.

In partnership with local Turkish and Syrian residents in Norfolk, the County Council is organising a fundraising event from 2pm to 6pm on Sunday 19 March at Blackfriars Hall, Norwich. This all-ticket event will feature presentations about the impact of the earthquake on the Turkish and Syrian communities locally and in the earthquake zone. Tickets cost £25 each, with all proceeds going to charity, and are now available to book on Eventbrite.

Local Turkish and Syrian restaurants and caterers are providing a buffet meal and there will be a raffle, along with some entertainment, including music from Bilal Alasali, a British-based Syrian singer and entertainer.

The focus will be on the Turkish and Syrian mothers and grandmothers who have been affected by the disaster, as well as all those sadly killed during the earthquakes.

We are showing our support and solidarity for the victims of the earthquake by helping to raise funds which can be given directly to organisations working in Turkey and Syria with survivors of the disaster. Funds will be split equally between the Syrian White Helmets and Anadolu Halk ve Baris Platformu (AHBAP) in Turkey.

Local businesses and organisations wishing to donate a prize to the raffle should contact the People from Abroad Team by email via nrpf@norfolk.gov.uk

Many Norfolk residents will have connections to Syria and Turkey and may have been deeply affected, several have tragically lost friends or loved ones. If you require help and support, please explore more what can be offered on our health and wellbeing pages.