The Company of Master Jewellers has launched a fundraising page to raise money for the Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal.

Michael Aldridge, Chairman of the Company of Master Jewellers, said: “As we have all seen in the horrifying news reports, a series of devastating earthquakes has hit southern Turkey and north-west Syria. The death toll from the disaster has already reached more than 16,000, although officials fear this could rise much, much more in the coming days and weeks.

“While our thoughts are with everyone affected by this disaster, we want to do something as a group that will get help – quickly – to the victims – those people have been left without shelter in freezing winter conditions and desperately need blankets, emergency shelter, food and clean water.

“Our fundraising appeal goes beyond CMJ membership – we hope that the whole jewellery and watch industry will get behind us and support this worthwhile cause. Every single donation will make a difference and in horrific situations like this, every hour really does matter.”

The first deadly earthquake struck at 4am on Monday while people were inside their homes, asleep in their beds, with no warning signs. Thousands of buildings, including hospitals and schools, have collapsed and infrastructure has been badly damaged. Local responders are desperately searching through the rubble for survivors.

The DEC brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to raise funds quickly and efficiently at times of crisis overseas. Pooling their resources to work as one, the DEC is pivotal in co-ordinating the UK public’s response to overseas disasters, getting aid to people who need it, fast.

The UK Government will match pound-for-pound up to £5m donated to the DEC appeal.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so via the Company of Master Jewellers’ JustGiving page.