Local man returns to Turkey amid earthquake destruction – NBC Chicago

Scenes of grief, destruction and heartbreaking loss are emerging from Turkey and Syria after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the countries in the early hours of the morning.

Halil Demir, the executive director of the Zakat Foundation of America, has family in Turkey.

“My relatives, we don’t know if they are saved. They are under a building that has collapsed; two big buildings collapsed in my town,” Demir said.

Times are more than difficult as people deal with earthquake damage and freezing temperatures.

“Most of the buildings are not allowed in so people can’t buy anything and this winter is cold and freezing,” Demir added.

The Zakat Foundation has a team on the ground distributing supplies.

The same goes for GlobalGiving, a charity focused on disaster relief. The organization partners with groups on the ground in disaster areas to ensure people get the supplies they need, both short and long term.

“They deliver drinking water, coats, hot meals, they also deliver hygiene kits, tents, sleeping bags, etc.,” said Sandrina da Cruz, director of disaster response. disaster for GlobalGiving. “We know that although we don’t have a complete understanding and full scope, thousands of buildings, homes, roads, bridges have been damaged and the rebuilding process will take years.”

If you want to help people in the aftermath of the destruction, you can contribute to the emergency fundraising campaign at www.zakat.org/donate by selecting “Turkiye Earthquake”. The donations will be distributed as 100% aid to those in need in the country.

You can also help by donating to the GlobalGiving fund.