A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and Syria on February 6th, 2023, the likes of which hadn’t hit the region in more than a century. So far the death toll is now at least 12,049 between both countries. However, the death toll is not the only problem facing the country.
Around six thousand buildings collapsed, leaving thousands of people sleeping on the streets while both countries also face freezing winter weather. In addition, the country of Syria has been plagued with disease, they face outbreaks of cholera, respiratory illnesses, and leishmaniasis.
Several countries such as China, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, India, Algeria, Russia, The United States, and many more have stepped in to help. These countries have provided aid ranging from humanitarian aid and relief supplies to help with rescue operations and more.
Still, the thousands of people affected by the earthquake need all the help they can get.
People from all over the world can help those affected by the earthquake. For example, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is accepting donations.
For disasters like earthquakes, it is important to donate to organizations that are planning to stay there long term as the effects of these are prolonged. It is also recommended to donate money rather than items as transportation of these could be compromised.
An organization called “The White Helmets” is also helping out the survivors in Syria. This group is specifically helpful since the country has been immersed in a civil war for more than a decade and it is difficult to bring help to different locations.
The White Helmets have set up a gofundme fundraising page intended to help the survivors.
There are other charities providing relief: Doctors Without Borders, the Syrian American Medical Society Foundation, the American Red Cross, Operation Blessing International, Direct Relief, and International Medical Corps are all involved in relief efforts.
But the list of organizations providing relief is much longer than that. The Council of Foundations put together a list of different groups that are on the grounds of Turkey and Syria providing relief.
The impact the earthquake has left on both of these countries is immense and help must be sent there, quickly.
