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The Welsh Government is donating £300,000 worth of support to people affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Around 19,000 people have now died following the Monday’s earthquake, which measured at 7.8 on the Richter Scale and subsequent aftershocks.

Tens of thousands of people have also been injured, with 380,000 people seeking refuge in government shelters or hotels, according to the Turkish government.

Jane Hutt, the Welsh Government’s minister for Social Justice, has announced funding to provide emergency aid and rapid relief to those affected.

Ms Hutt said: “This is a deeply sad and devastating event, and my condolences are with those who have lost loved ones.

“My thoughts are also with the injured, as well as Turkish and Syrian people in Wales waiting apprehensively for news. I’m grateful to people from all across Wales who are already offering all manner of support.”

The £300,000 will go towards the Türkiye and Syria Crisis Appeal, which was launched by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC)- which is a collective group of UK charities.

Three firefighters from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service have been sent to the area as art of efforts to rescue survivors. They are part of a team of 77 search and rescue experts from the UK offering their help.

Ms Hutt added: “Our International Strategy sets out our ambition to establish Wales as a globally responsible nation. With humanitarian need only expected to grow in Turkey and Syria, this financial support will go towards ensuring the urgent aid that people need to survive can be provided.”

Siân Stephen, of DEC Cymru, said: “In Turkey alone, 6,000 buildings, including schools and health centres, have collapsed, with infrastructure vital to everyday life such as sanitation and water supplies badly damaged.

“Of course, we know that money is tight for many people here in the UK as the cost-of-living crisis continues, but if you can, please do donate to support people caught up in this deadly disaster.”