British actor Tamer Hassan reveals family is lost in Turkey following earthquake

Charlie Herbert

‘We’re not hopeful’

British actor Tamer Hassan has revealed that some of his family are missing in Turkey following the devastating earthquakes.

Earlier this week, Turkey and Syria were hit by two major tremors of 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude.

As of Friday morning (February 10) more than 21,000 people have died, most of them in Turkey, with a major operation still underway to try and rescue those still trapped under the rubble.

Speaking to Sky News on Wednesday, actor Hassan became visibly emotional as spoke about having family that “haven’t been found” following the natural disaster.

He added that “due to the cold weather, we’re not hopeful.”

The London actor is of Turkish Cypriot descent, and is best known for his roles in British gangster films such as The Business and The Football Factory.

British-Turkish actor, Tamer Hassan: "We have family missing in this earthquake that haven't been found – due to the cold weather, we're not hopeful – we are quite worried".

'We just need help from everywhere – we need to unite as one'https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3

📺 Sky 501 pic.twitter.com/w35HOjyhHI

— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 8, 2023

He was speaking from the city of Kyrenia, where he was helping with the humanitarian effort, and described the “devastation” in the city.

“We’re here, raising money, sending over supplies, and trying to find a route into Turkey and to the worst affected areas,” he said.

“The biggest distress for me is that there are some areas that have been completely flattened and with no help.

“What we’re trying to do here is ascertain exactly where the most help is needed.”

The 54-year-old continued: “We have family there, people dying. My biggest fear there is that people are going to start turning on each other.

“I don’t think the government is doing enough. They need to step up now and do a lot more for us and unite as one so we can all help as much as we can here.”

The actor went on to explain how people can help the search and rescue effort in Turkey and Syria, saying that he had set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of supplies such as blankets, water, food and tents.

But he urged governments across the world to send more manpower to the countries.

“We’re desperate for manpower,” he said.

“We need the governments over there to stand up, to start sending the army in, to start standing up and helping their people…

“Like I said, Turkey and Syria need the world to come together now to help them. This humanitarian disaster is like nothing we’ve ever seen and we hope that we never ever see it again in our lifetime.”

"We need manpower on the ground now, as well as money coming in."

British-Turkish actor Tamer Hassan says help is desperately needed following the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

Read more: https://t.co/n4eFWibNAG pic.twitter.com/698Zi8dIUF

— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 9, 2023

So far, Hassan’s GoFundMe has raised more than £11,500. You can find the fundraising page here if you want to donate anything you can.

Meanwhile the likes of Oxfam and the British Red Cross have set up emergency appeals for donation and aid to help those affected by the natural disaster.

Meanwhile, UK government will match pound-for-pound the amount raised by the Disaster Emergency Committee’s appeal.

Related links: