The City of London Corporation has donated £50,000 to relief efforts in earthquake-hit Turkey and Syria, and is urging City organisations to follow suit.

The donation from the Square Mile governing body’s International Disasters Fund will support the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal, which launched today (9 February).

The two countries were hit by a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake in the early hours of Monday with its epicentre near the Turkey-Syria border, followed by a second, 7.7-magnitude quake.

Reports suggest over 19,000 people have died in the disaster, with the death toll rising by the minute and thousands more left homeless, injured or trapped under collapsed buildings.

The DEC appeal will help co-ordinate the relief effort on the ground, supporting search and rescue efforts and providing shelter and basic relief items to those affected.

Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Finance Committee Henry Colthurst said:

“No-one who has watched the terrible scenes in Turkey and Syria can fail to have been moved by the devastation and personal suffering experienced by so many people.

“The DEC appeal will play a pivotal role in co-ordinating relief efforts, supporting the search and rescue operation and providing essential items such as medicine and blankets.

“We strongly urge businesses and organisations in the City to contribute if they can to the DEC appeal and support their vital work.”

People can donate to the DEC appeal online at www.dec.org.uk

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk