Councillors call for ‘support and solidarity’ for people affected by earthquakes in Turkey and Syria – with Town Hall to host vigil next week

Buildings in Turkey after the earthquake. Photograph: Hilmi Hacaloğlu / Wikicommons

A vigil will held at the Town Hall in honour of the people who lost their lives in the devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkey.

An estimated 42,000 people are known to have died and thousands are homeless after the disaster.

Islington residents are invited to join the gathering at Islington Town Hall on Monday 20 February from 6pm to 6.45pm.

Speakers at the event on Upper Street will include representatives from Islington’s Turkish and Syrian communities.

Religious and community groups in the borough have been fundraising for the disaster response after earthquakes measuring 7.8 and 7.5 on the Richter scale struck on 6 February.

Councillors Rhoulin Khondoker and Una O’Halloran said: “We’re heartbroken to see the devastation that has happened in the area.

“We have a large Turkish and Kurdish community in Islington, and we know they are hurting right now so it is important we offer support and solidarity.”

The council is working with community and voluntary groups to see how to help those in need.

Thrive London has resources to help the Turkish and Syrian community in London who are suffering.

IMECE Women’s Centre in Newington Green Road is offering counselling to Islington residents affected by the disaster.

The Finsbury Park Mosque has raised more than £1,000 online for support through Islamic Relief.

The council said it cannot accept donations at the vigil and instead asks that people to donate to charities with official fundraising appeals.

These include the British Red Cross, Disasters Emergency Committee, and the Human Relief Foundation.