A 7.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southeastern Turkey: How You Can Help

Support is still urgently needed after two powerful earthquakes caused devastating damage and killed tens of thousands of people in southeast Turkey and northern Syria. In a region already host to millions of refugees who fled Syria’s war, many hospitals themselves need to be evacuated at a time when they are most needed to ensure the well-being of patients and staff.

How Can We Support Affected Communities?

The best way to help the communities impacted by this disaster is to make international donations to fund the global relief charities providing medical services and essentials such as food, water, and sanitation services. The logistics needed to deliver life-saving aid are complicated by closed crossings and crumbling roads due to the earthquakes, which registered 7.8 and 7.7 magnitudes on the Richter scale, straddling the Turkey-Syria border.

Can I Travel to Turkey Right Now?

Continuing to travel to Turkey, particularly in areas outside those devastated by the earthquake, is another way to support the country. Turkey is open for business and eager to welcome visitors. Many popular resorts are hundreds of miles away from the disaster zones, and no travel restrictions are currently in place for these destinations.

Ways to Help Through Donations

The thousands of victims of the recent earthquakes and the ongoing aftershocks are in desperate need of support. The efforts of relief organizations depend heavily on financial donations for emergency supplies. Please consider sharing this information with anyone who might be willing to contribute to these essential relief efforts.

The Intrepid Foundation

The Intrepid Foundation has launched an emergency appeal and has raised nearly £94,000 to support relief efforts. They are collaborating with the Australian Red Cross to provide both immediate and long-term relief to affected communities.

Oxfam

Oxfam reports significant impacts in southern Turkey, particularly around Gaziantep and Hatay/Antakya. These regions are major hubs for NGOs assisting with cross-border humanitarian operations. Oxfam’s response currently supports 1.5 million people in need.

Humanity & Inclusion

This NGO focuses on ensuring that individuals with disabilities and new injuries receive specialized care. They anticipate a significant need for rehabilitation and psychosocial support for those affected.

Doctors Without Borders

Also known as Médecins Sans Frontières, this organization is actively responding to the crisis through teams working in northwestern Syria and collaborating with local partners.

UNICEF

UNICEF is aiding four million Syrians reliant on humanitarian assistance while assisting unaccompanied children in finding their families in the world’s largest refugee host country.

Save the Children

As one of the international charities mobilizing support, they are helping children and families in regions affected by the disaster, which has struck an already crisis-laden area.

SAMS (Syrian American Medical Society)

SAMS is committed to providing crisis relief in Syria and beyond through its global medical efforts.

Raising Awareness and Assistance

Furthermore, raising awareness about organizations in need of funds is crucial. Sharing links and information with friends and family can significantly impact fundraising efforts for these important causes. We will continue to update information as it becomes available.