The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has launched an appeal to raise urgent funds to help people affected by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, which have killed more than 15,000 people.
In Northern Ireland, the DEC’s member charities, Concern Worldwide, the British Red Cross, Save the Children and Tearfund are urging people to support the Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal.
Thousands of buildings, including hospitals and schools, collapsed and infrastructure was badly damaged when the earthquakes struck in the early hours of Monday.
Emergency responders are continuing to search through the rubble in Turkey and Syria for survivors.
The DEC said many people have been left without shelter in freezing winter conditions, with humanitarian needs expected to grow in the coming days.
Access to clean water is also a challenge, bringing the risk of water borne diseases.
In Turkey, tens of thousands of people have been injured.
According to the Turkish government, 380,000 people have so far sought refuge in government shelters or hotels.
Buildings also collapsed in north-west Syria where many people have fled from conflict in the country and medical facilities are limited. Aid workers say displaced people living in tents are hosting families whose homes have been destroyed.
DEC charities and their local partners are among the first responders, working with locally-led relief efforts.
Immediate priorities are medical treatment for the injured, shelter for those who have lost their homes, as well as blankets, warm clothes and heaters.. They are also ensuring people have enough food and clean water.
Saleh Saeed, DEC Chief Executive, said funds are "urgently needed to support families with medical aid, emergency shelter, food and clean water in freezing, snowy conditions.
"Fourteen of our member charities are responding now in Turkey and Syria and can do more with your help," he said.
"Of course, we know that money is tight for many people here in the UK as the cost-of-living crisis continues, but if you can, please do donate to support people caught up in this deadly disaster"
Salah Aboulgasem, Deputy Director of Partner Development at Islamic Relief, based in Gazientep, Turkey, said: "The priority right now is saving lives by clearing the rubble.
"The next priority is supporting people who have lost their homes and gone through huge trauma," he said.
"People need medicines and warmth. There is a lot of screaming, people are trying to find relatives.
“A lot of people are sleeping in cars because they are scared to go back into the buildings due to aftershocks. The cars are freezing cold".
Donations can be made online at dec.org.uk, by calling 0370 60 60 610?or over the counter at any high street bank or post office. Cheques can be sent to DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal, PO Box 999, London EC3A 3AA.?
