When a series of earthquakes hit the Turkey-Syria border on Monday, the areas affected were devastated with more than 80,000 injured and the death toll now at 17,000 and climbing. With the overall result of the tragedy still unclear, people remain trapped under the rubble that once stood as their homes, and those that are beyond repair are forced to flee.

An Post has waived all donation charges, so the entirety of donations will go towards those affected by the earthquake.

Cash and card donations made through the national postal service will not be charged transaction fees. All donations received will be used to purchase food, other such supplies as well as medical care.

Without appropriate shelter, water, fuel or electricity, the World Health Organisation has issued concerns over the possibility that survivors could yet lose their lives. The danger of a secondary disaster has the potential to cause more harm than the initial quake.

Six UN lorries have already crossed the border from Turkey into Syria with the first international aid people have received there.

Donations can also be made to charities working in the area like Concern, GOAL, Irish Red Cross and UNICEF Ireland through their local An Post. Open from Monday to Friday, An Post offices are also open Saturday mornings.

A spokesperson has said, "An Post and Postmasters have waived the fees normally payable for such transactions so the entirety of donations will go to the customer’s preferred charity. The immediate international appeal is for cash donations- simply visit your local post office and ask to make a donation at the counter."

Core relief items as listed by Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) include include heaters, blankets, pillows, bed linens, food parcels, dry food, hygiene kits, clean clothes, clean baby clothes, baby food, sleeping bags, power banks, scarves, berets and gloves.

To donate to the relief effort you can find further information at any of the resources below.

AFAD.gov

AHBAP.org

AKUT.org

Union of Medical Relief and Care Organisations.org

Oxfam.org