A deadly earthquake struck the heart of the world’s largest refugee population, Turkey and Syria, on early Monday, February 6. After the most violent earthquake to hit the region in over a century killed more than 4,000 people, injured hundreds more, and destroyed thousands of homes and buildings, rescue and recovery activities are underway in Syria and Turkey.
A humanitarian catastrophe of unimaginable proportions has been sparked by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake and its aftershocks.
Humanitarian Crisis In Turkey & Syria
As per the United Nations, the humanitarian crisis in Syria renders people's chances of recovery much more tenuous. The largest host nation for refugees worldwide is Turkey. Following the protracted Syrian Civil War, the country is now home to almost 3.6 million Syrian refugees. Many of these refugees reside in southeast Turkey, close to the epicentre of the earthquakes.
Thousands of children are at risk after two deadly earthquakes hit Türkiye and Syria on Monday.
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) February 6, 2023
Help UNICEF support the needs of vulnerable children and families, as they grapple with the impacts of this catastrophe. https://t.co/UGGTuI5htO
“Sadly, needs are rising rapidly in Syria and not everyone who requires assistance is visible. Over 75% of all sub-districts in the country are classified as being under severe, extreme, or catastrophic conditions. We must act quickly to ensure more communities do not slide into an inescapable loop of deprivation and negative coping mechanisms,” said United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim for Syria, El- Mostafa Benlamlih, in a statement.
Ways to Help And Donate To The Rescue & Recovery of Victims
Governments from all over the world have pledged support, sent out search teams, medical teams, equipment, and offered aid as displaced people struggle in the bitter cold. Here’s how you can strengthen help to the victims.
"The most powerful earthquake to hit the region in almost 100 years."@1james_elder addresses the impact of the earthquake on children and families in Türkiye and Syria and how UNICEF is responding.https://t.co/VKUoCb9Nu5
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) February 7, 2023
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Syrian American Medical Society
On the front lines of the crisis is a charity organisation called the Syrian American Medical Society. Despite the fact that at least one of their hospitals has been shut down owing to damage from the earthquakes, they are still providing services to the region.
To continue giving their patients emergency care and to buy trauma equipment, they are requesting donations.
UNICEF
The International Children's Emergency Fund of the United Nations (UNICEF) has also dispatched help to Syria and is concentrating on determining how the earthquake affected water stations and any other service outages. Additionally, the harm to schools are being evaluated. Finding families for unaccompanied children is another need, according to UNICEF.
Save The Children
Save the Children is assessing the need for relief in northwest Syria and Turkey and intends to provide emergency kits to impacted families over the bitter winter. Visit the following link to donate to their Children's Emergency Fund.
Doctors Without Borders
In the wake of the earthquake in northwest Syria, Doctors Without Borders has provided immediate emergency relief by adding staff, blankets, and supplies. By making a donation via the above website, you may assist.
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International Rescue Committee
The IRC is an organisation that responds to the most serious humanitarian crises and works in more than 40 countries. “IRC teams are on the ground and working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff, local partners and those affected,” said Tanya Evans, the Syria Country Director for IRC.
You can also extend help and donation through Project HOPE, IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, Global Giving, Turkish Red Crescent, British Red Cross, and White Helmets, among others.
