Not everyone can go to the site of the disaster and take part in the crucial lifesaving efforts on the ground, but there are many ways people can help
On February 6, 2023, two earthquakes, registering at 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude, struck Türkiye and Syria, affecting at least 10 Turkish provinces and the Syrian cities of Aleppo, Latakia, Hama and Idlib. More than a hundred aftershocks or smaller earthquakes have also rocked the region since the event, which has been described as among the worst natural disasters in the world.
According to the World Health Organisation, the earthquake has affected around 26 million people, including seven million children and countless Syrian refugees. Adding to the peril in the region and complicating humanitarian aid, Syria has been in the grip of a 12-year civil war that has displaced its people, while Türkiye (the official name of Turkey) is facing a refugee crisis. News reports as of February 16, 2023, have put the death toll at over 41,000 people, with more than 35,000 deaths in Turkey and over 5,800 casualties in Syria.
The disaster has left millions in need of shelter, food, water, necessities and urgent medical care. Compounding the relief efforts, survivors also face below-freezing temperatures. Funding is urgently needed to support organisations racing to provide humanitarian aid to survivors of the disaster.
Already, the world is banding together to help earthquake survivors rebuild their lives, directing funds to aid organisations on the ground in the affected region. While thousands of people in Asia have responded to the call for help, reports have also surfaced of scammers, working through social media and other online channels like TikTok, who are taking advantage of would-be donors. Needless to say, it's best to donate through reputable agencies that can ensure that critical help reaches where it is needed.
Turkish Red Crescent
There is probably no more direct way to send aid than through the Turkish Red Crescent, the largest humanitarian organisation working in Türkiye. Part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, the Turkish Red Crescent is the first of its kind, having been founded in 1868. Today, the non-profit organisation remains a very important charity organisation in the Muslim world and is absolutely crucial to work in the region. In fact, many donor agencies and charity groups work with the Turkish Red Crescent as their local partner.
HOW TO DONATE
International donors for earthquake aid may send donations via credit card through the Turkish Red Crescent website or send funds to Ziraat Bank International AG Filiale Frankfurt with more details here.
Médecins Sans Frontières/ Doctors Without Borders
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams were among the very first on the ground in the aftermath of the earthquake: MSF teams in northwestern Syria were able to reach 200 patients just hours after the tremors struck. In the week following, MSF-supported facilities treated more than 7,600 people injured in the quake, working with 38 hospitals and health facilities in Syria.
MSF was not working within Türkiye at the time, but is reportedly in discussions with Turkish authorities about providing support. In the meantime, the organisation has identified that the immediate needs are for shelter, food and distribution of other essentials. The cities of Hatay, Gaziantep and Diyarbakir have also been identified as the hardest hit, and MSF is providing assistance through local partners at the outskirts of Hatay. In the meantime, the international aid organisation is also working with a local group to deliver thousands of meals in the town of Kilis.
HOW TO DONATE
Contributions to MSF “supports lifesaving care”, the website reminds potential donors. The portal allows for financial donations, but those who would like to get more involved are also invited to help fundraise on behalf of MSF. Whether it’s athletic events, community fundraisers, or even just by directing friends’ birthday gifts to MSF, the organisation sets up those who want to help with a toolkit to get things started. There is even the option to stream video game marathons and other live events. In the region, MSF has offices in Hong Kong and Taiwan:
Video update on the #Turkey #Syria #Earthquake: Teams in northern Syria are treating injured people, our ambulances are supporting hospitals, and we've donated emergency medical kits and blankets in several locations already, and will continue to do so. #turkeyearthquake pic.twitter.com/vcJfFttbUp
— Doctors w/o Borders (@MSF_USA) February 7, 2023