The world is watching with horror in the wake of powerful earthquakes that have rocked Syria and Turkey.

Thousands are dead following the 7.8 quake that struck in the overnight hours Monday morning in the midst of a winter storm. Subsequent powerful aftershocks continue to rock the region.

The Turkish Red Crescent and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent are on the ground helping with rescue efforts as people are pulled from the rubble of destroyed buildings.

Dan Bedell of the Canadian Red Cross says volunteers are on the ready should they receive the call from their Turkish and Syrian counterparts.

With the scope of the destruction and communication lines cut, the Red Cross has a program available for people seeking information on family and loved ones in the affected quake zones.

The program will help people reach loved ones through Red Cross partners on the ground.

In the meantime, Bedell says the Red Cross is accepting donations for the rescue and recovery efforts in those devastated countries.

He says an appeal has been set up on the Canadian Red Cross website. Funds raised will go directly to rescue, recovery and relief efforts in Turkey and Syria.