Earthquakes in Turkey & Syria: What’s happening and how to help
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On Monday, devastating earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria, causing massive destruction to thousands of lives and buildings. Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared a state of emergency in areas affected by the earthquakes, and various organisations have launched appeals for donations. Here’s everything you need to know about the disaster, and more importantly, how you can help the victims.
Where did the earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria?
Here’s everything we know about the deadly earthquakes in Turkey and Syria: https://t.co/TduURUAPRt pic.twitter.com/WfISNxRBCq
— TIME (@TIME) February 9, 2023
The epicentre of the first earthquake was roughly 35 kilometers west of the Turkish city of Gaziantep, near the Syrian border. It had a magnitude of 7.8 and is one of the strongest to hit the region in the last century—affecting an area already faced with a cholera outbreak and harsh winter conditions. Numerous aftershocks followed, one of which was almost as large as the first with a magnitude of 7.5. The tremors could be felt as far away as Cyprus and Lebanon.
What is the aftermath of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria?
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As of 9 February, there have been more than 16,000 deaths recorded, making it the deadliest earthquake since the 2011 earthquake in Japan, which was triggered by a tsunami and killed some 18,000 people. With Turkey being the world’s biggest refugee host country, approximately 3.6 million Syrian refugees reportedly live in the nation, many of whom reside in the region where the earthquakes struck in their sleep. More than 60,000 people were also injured. In addition, over 3,000 buildings have collapsed because of the earthquakes.
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How can you help earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria?
Besides staying informed and sharing relevant news of the earthquakes to spread awareness, one of the best ways to make a difference is to donate to global relief organisations and charities. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of charities with volunteers working on the ground to help the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.
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UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
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UNHCR has teams on the ground to provide emergency relief including tents, blankets and hygiene items.
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The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
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In Turkey, UNICEF is coordinating with the local government and the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency to focus on search and rescue and the emerging needs linked to the wider humanitarian response. Support will include hygiene kits, blankets, and winter clothes.
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The White Helmets
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The White Helmets have volunteers on the ground searching for survivors and pulling the dead from collapsed buildings. They urgently need support to respond to the disaster and transport hundreds of injured people to hospital in freezing snow and rain.
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Turkish Red Crescent
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Turkish Red Crescent has partnered with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to provide emergency relief on the ground.
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Islamic Relief
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Islamic Relief has launched an appeal to support their teams on the ground, who are providing food and shelter in Turkey and medical assistance and supplies in Syria.
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Doctors Without Borders
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Doctors Without Borders are supporting hospitals by providing emergency medical assistance in northwest Syria.
Are there any travel implications for tourists?
Tourists in Turkey are advised to avoid the area affected by the earthquake and to follow local guidance. Certain airports in the region have also been closed to commercial flights (Adana, Gazientep and Hatay); but other major tourist centres in the country remain open and accessible. Those planning trips to Turkey should check with local authorities and tour operators before they travel.
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