The earthquakes in Turkey hit the heart of the world’s largest refugee population. Here’s how you can help

Strong earthquake hits Syria and Turkey

Syrian civilians and members of the White Helmets conduct search and rescue operations in the rubble of a collapsed building after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Syria on February 6, 2023. Credit – Anas Alkharboutli – picture alliance/Getty Images

The devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria early Monday are affecting some of the world’s most vulnerable people. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the region is home to more than four million Syrians who are in need of immediate humanitarian assistance.

The first 7.8 magnitude earthquake is one of the strongest to hit the region in the last century, affecting an area already facing a cholera outbreak and severe winter weather. More than 2,800 people died in the earthquakes and thousands more were injured as people slept in their beds. First responders try to rescue people trapped under collapsed buildings.

Turkey is the world’s largest host country for refugees. About 3.6 million Syrian refugees live in the country after the protracted Syrian civil war. Many of these refugees live in the southeast of Turkey in the earthquake area.

According to the UN, the humanitarian situation in Syria makes recovery even more precarious for the people there

“Unfortunately, the need in Syria is increasing rapidly and not everyone who needs help is visible. Over 75% of all sub-districts in the country are classified as being in severe, extreme or catastrophic conditions,” said El-Mostafa Benlamlih, the United Nations interim coordinator for Syria and humanitarian assistance, in a statement. “We must act quickly to ensure that no more communities are caught in an inevitable loop of deprivation and negative coping.”

The earthquakes that struck early Monday, February 6, were among the strongest in the region in a century.Lon Tweet-TIME

An aerial view of a damaged building after an earthquake in Adana, Turkey, on February 6, 2023. Oguz Yeter – Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Some nations have already committed to sending aid. Britain pledged to send a team of 76 search and rescue specialists and rescue dogs to Turkey. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his condolences and said his government was mobilizing resources to help.

Also the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies tweeted to initiate immediate aid from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to ensure relief efforts can continue.

Consider donating to the following organizations to help:

Syrian American Medical Society

The Syrian American Medical Society is a relief organization working on the front lines of the crisis. They continue to serve the area even though at least one of their hospitals has been closed damage caused by tremors.

They are asking for donations to purchase trauma supplies and continue to provide emergency care to their patients.

UNICEF

The United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has also mobilized aid to Syria and is focusing on assessing the quake’s impact on water stations and other supply disruptions. It also assesses the harm schools are facing. UNICEF said another priority is helping unaccompanied children find their families.

You can donate here to help.

Syrian civilians and members of the White Helmets work to rescue people trapped under a destroyed building after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Syria on February 6, 2023. Anas Alkharboutli—picture-alliance/dpa/AP

The White Helmets

The White Helmets, a non-profit organization made up of 3,000 volunteers who help the Syrian community, said they need more equipment and supplies to continue the numerous search and rescue operations in the area.

The organization previously helped provide first aid to patients with COVID-19, provided ambulance services for patients with more severe cases, and also provides regular maternal health care.

You can make a financial contribution using the following link.

Turkish Red Crescent (Türk Kızılay)

According to a press release, the Turkish Red Crescent has more than 240 employees and hundreds of volunteers in the disaster area providing mobile kitchen and catering services to the area. They also send tents, blankets and beds.

The organization is asking people to donate blood as they send blood from their existing supplies throughout the day. The Red Crescent made its bank details available for donations in a tweetbut you can also donate here.

International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee (IRC), an organization that responds to the most serious humanitarian crises, works in more than 40 countries. “IRC teams are on the ground, working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff, local partners and those affected,” said Tanya Evans, the IRC’s Syria country director.

Consider making a gift here.

People gather around a bonfire after an earthquake in Kahramanmaras, Turkey, February 6, 2023. Cagla Gurdogan – Reuters

save the kids

Save the Children is working in north-west Syria and Turkey to best assess the aid needed, but plans to support affected communities with emergency kits amid the harsh winter weather. You can make a contribution to the Kindernothilfefonds under the following link.

Global Giving

Global Giving, a nonprofit that connects other nonprofits with donors, launched the Turkey and Syria Earthquake Relief Fund with a goal of raising $5 million to meet immediate needs for food, shelter and water . Once initial needs are met, the funds will support longer-term recovery efforts.

Project HOPE

Project HOPE, a global health and humanitarian aid organization, has dispatched emergency response teams to help on the ground. You can support their work here.

Humanitarian Aid Foundation

The IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation has been providing support to communities affected by disaster and war since its inception in 1992. She collects donations to send water, food and shelter materials to those in need. They also have a mobile soup kitchen that does the rounds in the area. Consider donating here.

Doctors Without Borders

MSF provided immediate emergency relief through additional staff, blankets and kits following the earthquake in north-west Syria. You can help with a donation using the link below.

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