Nakul Shivani/ New Delhi

One of the major fallouts of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria is the condition of the survivors in the two countries. In what is being described as the deadliest quake in the world in the last one decade, the death toll is gone up to more than 16,000 with chances of the toll rising as rescuers rush against time to clear the rubble to find those still alive.

Within hours of the devastation, the world immediately rushed help to Turkey. Not just governments, but also NGOs like the Khalsa Aid, an international organisation that works in disaster-hit zones across the world took the lead in sending teams for rescue and relief efforts. 

Turkey Earthquake

Our team from #Iraq are on their way to #Turkey to assist those affected by the #earthquake #TurkeyEarthquake #KhalsaAid https://t.co/V4CTJ4cnZU pic.twitter.com/xgLJTkzSMl

— Khalsa Aid (@Khalsa_Aid) February 6, 2023

Volunteers from the Iraq chapter of Khalsa Aid were the first to reach Turkey hours after the earthquake.

#Turkey

Our relief team from #Iraq along with other NGOs have entered Turkey. They will be reaching the earthquake affected areas within 4-5 hours. Our UK team will follow soon #TurkeyEarthquake #earthquake pic.twitter.com/wJ7TYACw7s

— Khalsa Aid (@Khalsa_Aid) February 6, 2023

They reached the affected areas with blankets and other warm clothes.

Turkey Earthquake 🇹🇷

Our team have procured 3,500 blankets from Northern Iraq, these will be distributed to provide warmth during these cold conditions. We will continue to do more...

To support: https://t.co/8KSntlHkFF#TurkeyEarthquake #Turkey #Turkiye #Humanity pic.twitter.com/rsX6Ja4xl9

— Khalsa Aid (@Khalsa_Aid) February 8, 2023

The organisation has posted several videos on its official twitter handle talking about the efforts it is putting in the affected areas.

Syria Earthquake

Our team is providing essential support in Turkey to those in need and scaling up our response to support affected communities in Syria.

Stay tuned for updates!https://t.co/V4CTJ4cnZU#OnGround #Turkey #TurkeyEarthquake #Humanity #Syria #SyriaEarthquake pic.twitter.com/qgs2KiViaQ

— Khalsa Aid (@Khalsa_Aid) February 9, 2023

The volunteers of Khalsa Aid have been, apart from distributing blankets and other warm clothes in the freezing temperatures, also set-up a langar (free food distribuiton centre) as more and more people are rendered homeless with thousands of houses destroyed in the tragedy.

Turkey Earthquake: Hot meals langar

Our team have set up and are providing hot meals to those affected by the devastating #earthquake in South-East #Turkey

Your ongoing support is making all the difference - https://t.co/8KSntlGMQ7#ServingHumanity #Langar #Turkiye pic.twitter.com/RkJGATHpAY

— Khalsa Aid (@Khalsa_Aid) February 8, 2023

In an official statement the Khalsa Aid said,” The travel infrastructure and thousands of buildings have been completely destroyed leaving residents trapped in cities. Our focus remains on providing the most urgent aid during these critical days.”

ALSO READ: Thousands without food, water in Turkey & Syria as quake toll tops 16,000

The World Health Organisation has warned that more than 20 million people could be in need of immediate help and has urged both nations and NGOs working across the globe to rush in help.