A number of communities in our region are mobilizing to help with relief efforts.
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In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted condolences on behalf of the state: "Our hearts and prayers are with the families and friends of the thousands tragically killed in Turkey and Syria by this weekend's devastating earthquake. New Jersey stands ready to support our nation's response to this natural disaster and resulting humanitarian crisis."
And in Paterson, the office of Mayor Andre Sayegh told Eyewitness News the city is working with the Turkish Consul General and Ambassador to establish ways for residents to contribute to the relief effort.
Paterson has one of the largest Turkish populations in the United States and they are watching those in their native land suffer.
Mayor Sayegh has family ties to Syria and is leading efforts to help the victims as soon as possible.
"So you want to do everything you can to assuage some of the fear but also provide some of the assistance that we can," Sayegh said. "We're actually creating a checklist to see what is needed right now and then hopefully accommodate that need."
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Meanwhile Mayor Eric Adams said New York City joins with its "vibrant Turkish community... in solidarity as we mourn those lost to these devastating earthquakes and pray for the survivors."
Adams announced the city has established a donation page at Help Now NYC with links to approved relief charities, including the International Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders.
"Cash is the best way to donate: it's fast to send and allows flexibility in the response," a statement on the site reads.
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The president of Turkey is calling it the worst earthquake since 1939. That one killed 30,000 people, and with cold weather in Turkey, everyone is concerned about the death toll climbing.
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