Communities across north London have come together to seek solace and help with relief efforts following the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

North London is home to a large number of Turkish and Kurdish communities, many members of which will have had loved ones impacted in the aftermath of the February 6 earthquakes.

The two earthquakes, one of magnitude 7.8 and one of magnitude 7.5, have so far killed more than 46,000 people.

At one Kurdish community centre in Portland Gardens, Haringey, Akif Rizgar Wan told PA Media that he had lost 20 relatives in the disaster.

He said: “I have been crying for the last four days. I am crying but I am not willing to cry. We are here and we are proud to be Kurdish, we are resilient.”

Islington Gazette: Akif Rizgar Wan, 63, speaking about the earthquake at the Kurdish People's Democratic Assembly of Britain community centre Akif Rizgar Wan, 63, speaking about the earthquake at the Kurdish People's Democratic Assembly of Britain community centre (Image: PA Media)

The centre has been open from 7am until 11pm every day, and has become a focal point for Kurds looking to process their grief.

The community has been gathering clothes, food and other donations to assist in the relief efforts.

On Saturday (February 18) in Muswell Hill, Haringey councillor Marsha Isilar-Gosling led efforts to fundraise for earthquake victims.

The event outside Planet Organic in Muswell Hill Road selling homemade food and second hand items raised more than £10,500.

Islington Gazette: The event in Muswell Hill raised more than £10,500The event in Muswell Hill raised more than £10,500 (Image: Iain Clarke-Coast)

Cllr Isilar-Gosling said: “We were just absolutely delighted how the community came together, it was really heart-warming and we were very touched.”

The Turkish Cypriot Community Association (TCCA), based in Haringey, has also mobilised across north London to receive donations for the victims of the earthquake.

The charity has established 10 collection points and has sorted through 2,800 boxes of aid in just 10 days.

Arsenal FC has helped the TCCA’s efforts through its foundation, donating 1,500 sleeping bags for those who have been left homeless by the disaster.

Islington Gazette: The TCCA has been processing donations at 10 collection points The TCCA has been processing donations at 10 collection points (Image: TCCA)

Islington Gazette: London Mayor Sadiq Khan praised the efforts of the TCCA in helping victims of the disaster London Mayor Sadiq Khan praised the efforts of the TCCA in helping victims of the disaster (Image: TCCA)

London mayor Sadiq Khan visited the charity to voice his support for the work it has done since the earthquake struck.

He said: “Sadly, many more lives are likely to be lost in the coming days and my thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy, and the many Londoners who have family and friends living in the area. London stands with you all.

“I was honoured to visiting the Turkish Cypriot Community Association and see first-hand the result of their work within the community. I am very proud of the generosity that Londoners have shown.”