AS the death toll in the earthquake that struck in Turkey and Syria reached more than 30,000, Newton Abbot’s Rotarians went into action.

The death toll from the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria climbed to more than 33,000 on Sunday, with the United Nations warning that the final number may double.

Officials and medics said 29,605 people had died in Turkey and 3,574 in Syria bringing the confirmed total to 33,179, Agence France-Presse reports.

At their open meeting at Dainton Park 28 guests and 30 Rotarians enjoyed each other’s company, and a presentation was made on how Rotary and Rotary Newton Abbot work and serve the local community.

At the meeting a collection was made for the earthquake in Turkey/Syria with £518 donated.

This was rapidly topped up with a further £400 from members and then a further £1,111 collected at a hastily arranged street collection on Friday – this £2,029 will be sent to Shelterbox who are already in Turkey.