It’s been a year since the start of the war in Ukraine. Since then the UK has fallen into a crisis of its own – everything is more expensive – some of it frighteningly, mind-blowingly more. Most people are struggling on one level or another. But everything is relative…
Whilst the valiant struggle continues in Ukraine, the world is getting to grips with its latest disaster. The earthquake which struck the south east of Turkey and its southern border with Syria has left death and destruction on an epic scale….
Twelve days in, although these miracles are become fewer, survivors are still being pulled from the ruins.
Dazed and disoriented, people blink and gasp as they surface from being buried alive. As they emerge into the daylight, they are thrust into the glare of the world’s media – but if that’s what it takes to bring much needed aid to thousands of people who have literally nothing left – then so be it.
As I write, the death toll has risen to 46,000 and the searches are beginning to wind down.
At a recent press conference, James Elder, spokesman for the UN children’s agency UNICEF said: “In Turkey, the total number of children living in the 10 provinces hit by the two earthquakes was 4.6 million. In Syria, 2.5 million children are affected’.
To put things into perspective, in 2021 there were 11.5 million children between 0-14 years of age in the UK.
So, as a result of this terrible event, up to 7 million children are either affected, at risk of being affected or no longer alive. Many of those survivors will be homeless and many will be orphaned. All will be suffering.
Natural disasters are no respecter of territory or sovereignty. We should spare a thought for the victims on the Syrian side of the border. How much more traumatic must it be for them. The regime in their country is an ‘added complication’ to an already desperate situation.
What can we do to help?
We can donate money to help.
We can also donate our unwanted items to charities such as Oxfam who support the relief effort.
There may be local charities collecting clothing and bedding to take directly to the area- have a look in your local area.
Written by: Diana McQueen
