15/02/2023
Türkiye Syria Earthquake Appeal
Help give life-saving support to people affected by the Türkiye Syria Earthquakes.
In the early hours of the 6th February, Türkiye was hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, followed by a second earthquake of 7.5 magnitude. Widespread building collapse has been reported in southeast Türkiye and northern Syria. The earthquake was also felt across Lebanon, Cyprus and the region. It is expected that aftershocks, which may be at the same intensity, will be felt for weeks.
The death toll now exceeds more than 41,000 people and continues to rise. Thousands have been wounded. Many people and still hundreds of civilians are trapped under the debris. Rescue and search are fearing it’s too late to save those alive under the rubble.
Severe snow and rain are preventing first responders to reach people who need assistance. People have been left to face bitter winter conditions without shelter. It’s estimated 5.37 million people affected by the quake will need shelter assistance across the country.
Flooding has been reported in displacement camps due to inclement winter weather. Major power outage has resulted in fuel shortages in hospitals. Hospitals and blood donation centres need support to treat the injured and are operating with limited resources. People are reported to only have received limited water and basic food supplies.
To assist those affected by this disaster, GMP have launched the Türkiye and Syria Earthquake emergency appeal. Donations given to the appeal will be directed through the ACT Alliance.
GMP is a member of the ACT Alliance, an international network of church agencies responding to disasters around the world. We will support ACT Alliance members who are well placed to respond to this emergency.
The Appeal will respond through ACT Alliance members Christian Aid (CA), Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Swiss Church Aid HEKS/EPER, and The Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development (DERD) the official development arm of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East (GOPA).
Please give now to provide vital aid to people in need. Initial support aims to provide essential food items such as hot meals and food kits, Medication, Hygiene kits and hygiene products, non-food-items, and winterisation kits. Long term the appeal also aims to assist people’s economic recovery, and children with necessary tools to return to education after the earthquake They also aim to provide psychosocial support for people affected by the earthquake.
Please give now to assist people affected by the devastating earthquakes. All donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible.
Funds received in excess of the project need will be directed to the COCOA Emergency Fund for use in future disaster responses. Give responsibly – in cash not in kind. See Posting Big Parcels or Donate Responsibly for more info.
Image courtesy of GOPA-DERD via ACT ALLIANCE