Turkey is reeling after a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck again in Van last night. The area was still in recovery after a previous earthquake caused extensive damage just over two weeks ago.
A ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) has been working in the region since the last earthquake and was standing ready to help as soon as the second earthquake hit.
Response team member, Ron Noseworthy (CA), explained that the team had been busy that day distributing ShelterBoxes to families who had lost their homes and possessions in the October 23 earthquake. The team had experienced a number of aftershocks since being in the country but this was the largest yet.
‘We were in Van when we felt violent shaking and saw people running out of buildings,’ reported Ron. ‘Many buildings collapsed, including a six-storey hotel. We received a request for help from emergency responders to provide ShelterBox tents for the search and rescue teams to allow them to rest as they work in shifts to try and save those trapped in collapsed buildings.’
The team is concerned for the safety of people living in or close to buildings that have already been weakened by the massive earthquake last month.
‘We will offer any assistance that we can provide,’ said Ron. ‘We have emergency shelter and equipment immediately available for anyone in need’.
ShelterBox has sent over a thousand ShelterBoxes to Turkey. Each box contains emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for people who have lost everything due to the earthquake.
ShelterBox Response Team member Ian Neal recalls the moment the earthquake struck in Van last night. Listen to Ian's recollection and see how the team have worked alongside search and rescue teams in Van online here or see the latest photos here
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