Tens of thousands of people have been killed and many more injured after a 7. 8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey on Monday, February 6, just 50 miles from the Syrian border. Since the earthquake there have been hundreds of aftershocks. The strongest was 7. 5 magnitude, adding to the devastation.
Additionally, just two weeks later on February 20th, a 6. 3 magnitude earthquake struck Hatay province, southern Turkey. Tremors were felt in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq, with reports of more buildings collapsing and further fatalities.
Those who have already been displaced multiple times due to the ongoing conflict are among those whose homes were destroyed in the earthquakes in many of the hardest-hit communities in northwest Syria. They are without adequate shelter, food and basic necessities as temperatures plunge well below freezing.
Even before this crisis, more than 15 million people in Syria were in need of humanitarian assistance. However, aid have efforts received less than half of the necessary funding.
The February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and Syria devastated both countries, leaving a trail of destruction and displacing millions of people In the aftermath of this tragedy, many people are asking, “How can I help earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria?”
Here’s a comprehensive guide to supporting relief efforts and making a meaningful difference:
Choose a Reputable Charity:
Before donating, research the organization’s track record and ensure it’s reputable and transparent. Consider factors like:
- Financial accountability: Look for charities with high ratings from organizations like Charity Navigator and Guidestar.
- Experience in disaster relief: Choose organizations with a proven track record of responding effectively to emergencies.
- Local presence: Prioritize charities with established networks in Turkey and Syria to ensure aid reaches those most affected.
Here are some highly regarded organizations actively providing aid in Turkey and Syria:
- Save the Children: This global organization focuses on protecting children and families affected by the earthquakes, providing essential supplies, psychosocial support, and education.
- International Rescue Committee (IRC): The IRC is a humanitarian organization with extensive experience in responding to crises. They’re providing emergency assistance, including shelter, food, and medical care, to affected communities.
- Doctors Without Borders (MSF): MSF is a medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency medical care to people affected by the earthquakes. They’re operating mobile clinics and providing essential medical supplies.
- Turkish Red Crescent: This national organization is working tirelessly to provide relief to earthquake victims in Turkey. They’re distributing food, water, and other essential supplies.
- Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS): SAMS is a US-based organization that provides medical care in Syria and nearby countries. They’re responding to the earthquake by providing emergency medical aid and supporting hospitals in affected areas.
Donate Financially:
Financial contributions are crucial for organizations to purchase and deliver essential supplies, provide medical care, and support long-term recovery efforts. You can donate directly to the organization’s website or through platforms like PayPal Giving Fund, which allows you to donate to multiple charities at once.
Volunteer Your Time and Skills:
If you have relevant skills or experience, consider volunteering with organizations working on the ground in Turkey and Syria. This could involve tasks like:
- Logistics and distribution: Assisting with the distribution of food, water, and other essential supplies.
- Medical assistance: Providing medical care or supporting medical professionals.
- Psychological support: Offering psychosocial support to children and adults affected by the trauma of the earthquakes.
- Translation and interpretation: Helping with communication between aid workers and local communities.
Raise Awareness:
Spreading the word about the ongoing needs of earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria can encourage others to donate and volunteer. Share information about reputable organizations and relief efforts on social media, talk to friends and family, and organize fundraising events in your community.
Additional Ways to Help:
- Donate blood: If you’re located in Turkey or Syria, consider donating blood to help replenish blood banks depleted by the earthquakes.
- Provide temporary housing: If you have a spare room or property, consider offering it as temporary accommodation for displaced families.
- Support local businesses: If you’re traveling to Turkey or Syria, support local businesses that have been affected by the earthquakes.
Remember:
Every contribution, big or small, can make a difference in the lives of those affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. By supporting reputable organizations and engaging in meaningful actions, you can help bring hope and healing to these devastated communities.
How can I help earthquake victims?
Funding is urgently needed to help people affected by the earthquakes survive this crisis and begin their recovery. The IRC has more than 1,000 staff inside Syria who are working tirelessly to provide lifesaving support. We will be scaling up our response to support affected communities in Turkey as well.
Double your impact: As we work to support this crisis and all children and families in need this winter, monthly donations will be doubled for a brief period of time.
Charity watchdogs routinely give the IRC high marks for our effective work and our effective use of financial support.
What is the IRC doing to support victims?
Ten of our partner organizations operating in northwest Syria and Turkey received vital financial support and immediate cash assistance from the IRC in response to the crisis. As the need for humanitarian aid increases in both Turkey and northwest Syria, we are initiating an integrated response to support affected communities in both countries.
In a camp for internally displaced people in northern Syria, where IRC workers are providing support to those impacted by the earthquake, a man gets emergency financial assistance. Photo: Frontline in Focus for the IRC.
This will entail giving money and necessities to thousands of households, including household kits, dignity kits for women and girls, and hygiene products like blankets and towels. The IRC is establishing two mobile health teams to treat and care for survivors as part of our efforts to support vital health services in affected areas. We will also set up safe spaces for women and children affected by the crisis.
“Everything has been lost—homes, children, and means of subsistence,” says Hamed*, the IRC’s manager of economic recovery and development in Syria. “One of the best ways to assist people in meeting their immediate needs and getting back on their feet is to give them cash.” “.
Residents search through the rubble of buildings destroyed by the earthquakes.Photo: Frontline in Focus for the IRC
Turkey earthquake: International rescue crews arrive to provide relief
FAQ
How can we help the people of Turkey and Syria?
Who is helping Turkey the most?
How the US is helping Turkey?
Which countries are sending aid to Turkey?
Some nations have already committed to sending aid. The U.K. promised to send a team of 76 search and rescue specialists and rescue dogs to Turkey. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed condolences and said his government is mobilizing resources to help.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.