Vienna Mayor Linda Colbert joined other Northern Virginia leaders at the Fairfax County Government Center today to launch a multi-jurisdictional relief drive to support earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. Monetary donations generated through the online campaign will be used to purchase food packages for earthquake victims.
“The devastation caused by multiple, powerful earthquakes in this region in the same month is truly sobering,” Vienna Mayor Linda Colbert said during the news conference. “It’s a reminder to all of us that human life is fragile, and it can change dramatically in an instant, without warning, and with catastrophic results.”
The first 7.8 magnitude earthquake and a powerful aftershock struck southern and central Turkey and Syria in the middle of the night on Feb. 6, 2023, causing widespread damage and tens of thousands of fatalities. A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck the region on Feb. 20, and a 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit the region on Feb. 27. The natural disasters toppled more than 100,000 buildings and left more than one million people homeless in Turkey alone.
“It is times like these that bring the world together for the sake of humanity,” Colbert said. “Vienna residents have a long history of supporting those in need both at home and abroad, and I encourage everyone to make a donation to this relief effort out of gratitude for the comforts we enjoy here at home, and out of compassion for Turkish and Syrian earthquake victims who are struggling to survive.”
The earthquake relief drive was organized by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC), which hopes to raise $25,000 for this effort. To donate, visit www.helpearthquakevictims.org.
