His family in earthquake-stricken Turkey has taken shelter in a mosque

Ali Haynes Ansari lives in Richmond, but his heart is 5,600 miles away with his friends and family in Turkey. His family overseas is currently seeking shelter in a mosque that serves as their temporary home. “Physically they are okay, but mentally they are in shock,” Ansari explained. Authorities said the death toll from Monday’s devastating earthquakes and aftershocks in southeastern Turkey and northern Syria topped 5,000 victims on Tuesday. The aftershocks made searching the rubble of thousands of collapsed buildings dangerous as rescuers pulled children and adults from the debris. “I asked my sister if they could go outside, and she said no because it’s snowing there and raining. In 24 hours, they just ate soup one time, and they couldn’t find bread there because all shops were closed. They don’t have electricity,” Ansari stated. Ansari and his family left Afghanistan to escape the Taliban about 25 years ago. They first sought refuge in Iran, but later left for Turkey for better opportunities. Ansari and his wife now live in Richmond, where he is a photographer and documentarian. But his family in Turkey fears what their future will look like now. “Honestly I wish I was there to do something to help,” he said. Read more on WTVR.com