...even if you are an agnostic or an atheist. You don't need to even mention God or pray & give thanks to a god. Just be thankful to whatever you choose to give thanks to and say a prayer to the same. The thanks because you were not in Turkey or Syria 8 days ago and the prayers for they who were there. Somehow, survivors are still being pulled from the rubble.
The death toll of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey has now been reported at over 35,000 and in Syria at over 5,800 (source); those injured but alive amount to tens of thousands more so far. The death and injury tolls will go up - no doubt. Then later when final tallies are figured they may go down or up even more but whichever way they go - up or down - in the end they will amount to the total casualties of one of the worst natural disasters in our lifetimes. Add to that property damage that must be in the tens, if not hundreds, of millions. This is a terrible disaster that will have long lasting effects.
Of course, if you do or do not believe in the power of prayer or in giving thanks for your well being, there is something else you can do either way. That would be to donate cash, it is something that is certainly going to be much needed for the medical care of the survivors, their temporary housing and sustenance, and later for the demolition and then rebuilding of what was destroyed.
I will not recommend to which organizations you should donate, but if you do, I suggest you use some common sense to avoid being scammed. I also think it may be a good idea to read this article by Forbes to donate wisely. The article also points out, if you are so inclined, you may want to donate your services by way of volunteering for the recovery efforts that are likely to last long beyond media coverage.
I just took my own advice and did three of the four things mentioned above. I gave thanks that I was not there, said a prayer for those who were and are there and made a donation to relief efforts through CDP (Center for Disaster Philanthropy - which gets a 100% rating from Charity Navigator). I don't care that Turkey is not among the best of our allies (may even be an enemy) nor that Syria is not an ally as I believe it definitely is an enemy. I gave to help other human beings who are in dire need due to a truly terrible catastrophe. Maybe you can bring yourself to do likewise - only you can decide what you will or will not do but I hope you will at least be charitable to some degree.
All the best,
Glenn B
