Pakistani donor in US gives $30m to support Turkey-Syria earthquake victims

Turkish embassy in Washington receiving clothing and other supplies for relief efforts

People carry donations for those affected by the earthquake in Turkey to the Turkish embassy in Washington. AFP

Thousands of boxes of donations have been pouring into the Turkish embassy following the catastrophic earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria. AFP

A volunteer walks through a corridor formed by sorted donations for earthquake victims. AP

A man hugs his daughter as they take a break from receiving donations for people affected by the earthquake in Turkey. AFP

Across the US, more than 140 tonnes of supplies have been donated to support relief efforts in Turkey and Syria. AFP

Volunteers help sort donations for people affected by the earthquake in Turkey. AFP

A woman drops off a box of donations at the Turkish embassy in Washington. AFP

Volunteers help sort donations for people affected by the earthquake in Turkey. AFP

More than 25,000 buildings in Turkey were destroyed or damaged, and one million people were left homeless. AFP

Volunteers load boxes of donations on to a lorry heading to Dulles International Airport. AFP

Volunteers help sort donations at the embassy in Washington. AFP

Volunteers wait to load boxes of donations on to a lorry. AFP

A volunteer marks a box of baby donations before they are sent to Dulles International Airport. AFP

Volunteers outside the Turkish embassy in Washington. AFP

Thousands of boxes of donations have been pouring into the Turkish embassy in Washington. AFP

Volunteers, largely from the Turkish community, sort donations for earthquake victims, Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, at the Turkish Embassy in Washington. Items still needed include sleeping bags and tents, according to an Embassy official, who said that 150 tons of donations have been received at Turkish Embassies across the United States in the first three days. (AP Photo / Jacquelyn Martin)

A volunteer holds up medicines as donations for earthquake victims are sorted. AP

The Turkish embassy in Washington is requesting tents, generators and other emergency items. AFP

Follow the latest news on the earthquake in Turkey and Syria

A US resident from Pakistan made an anonymous $30 million donation in support of victims of the earthquake that has killed tens of thousands in Turkey and Syria.

The death toll had climbed to at least 35,000 as of Monday morning, a week after the 7.8-magnitude quake struck. More than 31,000 were killed in Turkey.

“Deeply moved by the example of an anonymous Pakistani who walked into Turkish embassy in the US and donated $30 million for earthquake victims in Turkiye and Syria,” Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a tweet.

“These are such glorious acts of philanthropy that enable humanity to triumph over the seemingly insurmountable odds.”

The National contacted the Turkish embassy in Washington for comment.

Mr Sharif last week established a special cabinet committee to oversee the collection of aid for earthquake victims.

Across the US, more than 140 tonnes of supplies have been donated to support relief efforts in Turkey and Syria, local media reported.

Footage shared on social media showed dozens of moving boxes and bags filled with clothes and other supplies outside the Turkish embassy in north-west Washington.

The Turkish consulate is currently seeking disaster tents, blankets, heaters, generators and other supplies, which can be dropped off at its embassy.

More than 25,000 buildings in Turkey were destroyed or damaged, and one million people were left homeless.

An additional 5.3 million people in Syria have been displaced because of the earthquake, said Sivanka Dhanapala, the country's UNHCR representative.