The impact of the devastating earthquake in Turkey is being felt in Calgary.
As the scale of the tragedy sinks in, local Turks are planning their response.
Like all earthquakes it began without warning, and in an instant, thousands of lives were changed forever.
"I need some time to adjust myself because I'm just hearing the news right now," says Usame Turk.
Like many others, Usame Turk hit the phone immediately, trying to contact loved ones half a world away.
Turk's family have been spared from the worst, but he is not celebrating as he realizes many people are struggling with the loss of friends, family members and property.
"Those are my countrymen," says Turk. "I'm really sorry right now. It's a big thing."
When Davud Hanci reached one of his friends, the tragedy came a little closer.
"His uncle is dead and his cousin died," says Hanci of his friend's family. "And one of his cousins also broke his neck."
The death toll in Turkey is still relatively low but officials warn it will almost certainly rise as rescuers clear debris.
The tragedy brings back bad memories, A major quake in 1999 killed an estimated 18,000 people in northwest Turkey.
Although the major quake is over, shattered nerves must still face the inevitable aftershocks.
"It takes some time," says Usame Turk. "I had nine months to myself to adjust and get back to normal after 1999."
Little has changed for the children at Calgary's Turkish Intercultural centre, but their parents, aunts and uncles are trying to co-ordinate a local response to the devastation in their homeland.
Donations can be made online through Kimse Yok Mu or through the Canadian Red Cross.
