EMPLOYEES at a Turkish barber shop in Basingstoke have been left in shock following an earthquake which struck central Turkey and Western Syria.

The earthquake caused widespread disaster on February 6, damaging homes and businesses and causing thousands of fatalities in the region.

Members of Dursun Barber Shop, in Church Street, are from Adiyaman, one of the areas worst affected by the earthquake. It is a city in the southeast of Turkey, with a population of over 250,000.

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An employee at the barber shop, who did not want to be named, said: “I was in complete shock when I saw it. Lots of people we know have had their houses flattened by the earthquake, there’s been so much damage. It’s awful how it happened too, so early in the morning – everyone would have been unprepared for what was about to happen.”

He added that getting aid and help to the people on the ground would be difficult, as the earthquake has destroyed lots of the infrastructure.

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“Many Turkish families in the local community got together and put some bits together that could be sent across to help anyone who needs it,” he continued.

“Things like food, coats – we’re just trying to help who we can and ensure they’ve got the basics.

“People don’t realise but the temperature through the night can get really cold at this time of year, which is why finding people who need help should be the main priority. It can get as low as minus seven. It’s devastating anywhere but something like this happening near to family and friends is awful.”

More than 22,000 people in southern Turkey and northern Syria have been killed in the 7.8 magnitude quake.