Earthquake in Turkey: Readers help raise pounds 190,000

READERS of The Independent have helped raise pounds 190,000 in cash for emergency aid to help victims of last week's earthquake in Turkey.

The British Red Cross, which is channelling the money to stricken communities, said it received 1,000 postal donations yesterday, but much more is needed. Up to 500,000 people may have been made homeless, and the final death toll may exceed 35,000.

Medical supplies and water purification equipment are urgently needed, a Red Cross spokesman said.