A 7.2 earthquake struck the eastern region of Turkey on Sunday, October 23, 2011. The quake was the most powerful to hit Turkey in a decade.

-The reported death toll from the quake that struck the mountainous Van province near the Iranian border exceeds 500 people with an estimated 1,650 injured. Some 600,000 people have been affected by the disaster.

-The Turkish government has put out requests to the international community, including Israel, for emergency materials, including prefabricated housing, tents and blankets. Israel immediately responded by launching an airlift of supplies.

The JCDR has formed a Coalition for Turkey Relief. The Coalition is monitoring the situation and collecting funds to provide assistance for the most urgent unmet needs on the ground.

Previously, JCDR responded to two disastrous earthquakes in Turkey in 1999 by providing quake victims with hygienic supplies, psychological services, and a wheelchair-accessible bus for youth with disabilities.

Members of the Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief- Turkey Earthquake: