AS the death toll continues to rise in the horrific aftermath of the Turkey-Syria earthquake, Kurdish-Syrian refugees living in Cumbria have spoken about the helplessness they feel as their families are being left to fend for themselves. 

Turkish authorities say about 13.5 million people have been affected since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake first struck southern Turkey and Syria on February 6, with the death-toll so far surpassing 40,000 people. 

Riyad Moussa, one of the first Syrian families to arrive in Cumbria back in 2017, said everything in his city of Afrin (northern Syria) has been left in ruins.

"Lots of my family members have died in the earthquake, the other family members who went back to visit - have absolutely nothing.

"Many are living in camps at the moment, they can't do anything. I want to pass a message which isn't my voice, it's theirs, 'we need help'," he said. 

Riyad, like any family member would do, has sent over money to his relations but says it's becoming a fruitless endeavour in a Turkish-controlled regime. 

'They say they're there to protect the city but they are making it way worse and harder for those living in the city' 

"My nephew, this morning, has been kidnapped. They took him with the money we sent to help. The whole organisation that's supposed to be supporting people are stealing the money meant to help," he said. 

Riyad, who had the pleasure of meeting King Charles in Cumbria last year, said: "All I want for my people in Syria, especially my people in Afrin, is more focus on this city, because the Turkish regime are not letting aid or medical supplies get to the city - all I want for my family is some help."

Shireen Hamma, a Kurdish-Syrian who arrived in Cumbria five years ago, had to deal with the heart-wrenching situation of not being able to hear from her brother in the city of Amuda after the earthquake hit.

"It's one of the most horrible things to see it unfold to your country and know you can't do anything to help.

'For the first few days, my brother couldn't get in touch with us as the wi-fi had gone. I had no clue if he was alive or dead, I had no choice but to carry on with my life as if everything was normal'

"Thankfully he was okay, but when people started posting on social media in the days after, we couldn't believe it.

"Everything destroyed, literally everything on the floor, homes and bodies - we have no words to explain our feelings," she said. 

Shireen, who now studies interior design at the London Met and now refers to Riyad as uncle, said it's no wonder why Syrians living in the UK are feeling helpless. 

"People are calling to send money but we just don't know if it will go to the right place. If you look at Riyad, they took the money and kidnapped his family. 

"When it comes to the Kurds, they don't want to see or hear, it's not fair.

"I'm not surprised Syria has been left behind, it's what always happens. There's even still some Turks saying there's no earthquake in Syria, I don't know why," she said. 

The university student claims the Turkish authorities are sending delivered aid to areas outside Kurdish communities, with much of it falling into a black-market as there is 'no-one to stop them'. 

"The only message I have for anyone who will read about us is please don't forget about Syria. It's been forgotten, and I don't want it anymore, people need help.

"People are not looking for happiness, they are looking for safety," she said. 

Carlisle's One World Centre recommends the larger DEC appeal and charity MSF for cash donations to be made in hopes they will target those in need.

READ MORE: 'It's not like you see on the TV - everything is a lot worse