Two devastating earthquakes and hundreds of violent aftershocks in Turkey and Syria have caused great destruction in both countries. As search and rescue operations continue, the latest reports indicate that there are more than 40,000 people injured and the rising death toll has now surpassed 11,000 people.
The disaster began with a 7.8-magnitude earthquake early Monday morning, one of the strongest to hit the region in 100 years, toppled thousands of buildings throughout Turkey and Syria, creating even worse conditions for millions of Syrians already displaced by the ongoing civil war.
Freezing cold weather conditions are complicating rescue operations and adding further risk to survivors.
The Archdiocese of Toronto will accept donations and channel funds through Catholic partners (including Caritas Canada, Aid to the Church in Need, CNEWA, and Jesuits International) to support relief efforts underway.
Those wishing to help may do so in the following ways:
Please continue to pray for those who have died and for those displaced because of this tragic disaster in both Turkey and Syria.