The Olympic Movement has announced the creation of an emergency fund to help those affected by earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria ©Getty Images

The Olympic Movement has announced the creation of an emergency fund to help those affected by earthquakes that hit the Kahramanmaraş region of Turkey on Monday (February 6) and neighbouring Syria.

The emergency fund totals $1 million (£830,000/€936,000), with contributions of $250,000 (£207,000/€234,000) from both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), €250,000 ($266,000/£221,000) from the European Olympic Committees (EOC) and $260,000 (£215,000/€243,000) from the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF).

IOC President Thomas Bach had pledged to help those impacted in the aftermath of the earthquakes, which has now reportedly killed more than 23,000 people.

"It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the tragic loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake that has struck the south-eastern region of Türkey and Syria," said Bach.

"I have spoken to the NOC President of Türkey and the NOC President of Syria, and have heard from them about the impact the earthquake has had on many members of the Olympic community.

"Unfortunately there are a number of athletes and members of the Olympic community among the victims, while many others have lost their homes and sports infrastructure has been heavily damaged.

More than 23,000 people are reported to have died following two earthquakes, which hit Turkey and Syria on February 6 ©Getty Images
More than 23,000 people are reported to have died following two earthquakes, which hit Turkey and Syria on February 6 ©Getty Images

"We discussed how best to support the members of the Olympic community. As a result of the conversations, we have agreed with the OCA, the EOC and the ORF to take immediate action.

"Our first-response emergency assistance in Türkey will be channelled through the ORF and their partners on site.

"In Syria, we will work with international non-Governmental organisations and United Nations agencies that are able to access the affected areas.

"We have learnt that the biggest need at the moment is for food, medicine and tents."

To help towards its contribution the ORF released funds from the first year funding of its Sport for Solidarity programme, a programme running in Turkey that uses sport to help refugees and asylum seekers feel safe and protected.

All sporting activities in Turkey has been suspended until further notice following the two earthquakes, which measured 7.8 and 7.7 in magnitude respectively.