A Cambridgeshire kebab shop owner has closed for two weeks to be with family and friends in Turkey after his mother and father died in Monday’s earthquake.
Sudereli Ökkeşs has gone from using his Soham Kebabs and Pizza House Facebook page to promote his latest offers, to providing life footage from the devasted region of southern Turkey which had been most badly affected.
He wrote: “I wanted to share with you that our shop should be closed for two weeks, as we are with our families and helping with the earthquake that took place in Turkey.
Part of video by kebab shop owner from #Soham #Cambridgeshire who has closed temporarily whilst he is in Turkey. He’s lost both parents in the earthquake that hit #Turkey on Monday pic.twitter.com/P7w0p053DZ
— John Elworthy (@johnelworthy) February 8, 2023
“My mother and father died in the earthquake. Thank you for your understanding and well wishes.”
Sudereli Ökkeş updated his posts on Tuesday.
“Hi, a little better than yesterday, at least a little help came, most of the people in the wreckage were removed but unfortunately all of them died but we are afraid to enter the houses, this is the situation.
“My father and my mother Emine passed away. MAY GOD REST THEM, MAY THEY REST IN PEACE, INSHALLAHY ALLAH BLESS OUR ENDING.”
Aid is being stepped up in southern Turkey and northern Syria where the earthquake has left more than 7,000 people dead.
County council response
Cambridgeshire County Council says it aware that many in the county have ties with Turkey.
Council chair Cllr Stephen Ferguson said: “On behalf of everyone at Cambridgeshire County Council, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to those affected by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. We are saddened by the loss of so many lives.
“We know that there will be people in our communities who are anxious about friends and family in the region; we offer you our support and are thinking of you at this terrible time.
“We will be contacting local organisations to ensure that anyone impacted by the earthquakes has access to the help they need.
“Residents who wish to offer support to the relief efforts can do so through the organisations listed below.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London can be contacted on 020 7008 5000 for anyone in the UK concerned about relatives or friends.
Official donations to relief appeal can be sent to:
Turkey-Syria earthquake appeal | British Red Cross
MSF UK | Médecins Sans Frontières
Turkey and Syria Earthquake Appeal – Donate Now | Oxfam GB
