How You Can Help After an Earthquake Kills Thousands in Turkey and Syria
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and northern Syria this morning, killing thousands.
The quake concentrated on the town of Pazarcik, in Turkey's southeastern Kahramanmaras province, and was followed by a 7.5 quake and several powerful aftershocks. Photos and videos show massive buildings collapsing to rubble and terrified residents running through the streets to escape the destruction. Around 2,834 buildings have been destroyed, per the Ministry of Interior Disaster And Emergency Management Presidency.
More than 2,300 people have died from the disaster in Turkey and Syria—at least 1,500 across Turkey, per the Turkish Emergency Management Agency, and at least 843 in Syria, according to the Syrian Health Ministry.
The Ministry of Interior Disaster said nearly 10,000 search and rescue workers, 216 vehicles, and 1,511 pieces of construction equipment have been deployed to the affected area. Meanwhile, both Turkey and Syria have declared a state of emergency.
The United Kingdom announced Monday that it is deploying emergency response teams to Turkey to assist in rescue efforts, with U.K. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly tweeting, "The U.K. is sending immediate support to Türkiye including a team of 76 search & rescue specialists, equipment and rescue dogs. In Syria, the U.K.-funded White Helmets have mobilised their resources to respond. We stand ready to provide further support as needed."
President Joe Biden said the U.S. is also willing to provide any help needed.
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Turkiye and Syria. I have directed my team to continue to closely monitor the situation in coordination with Turkiye and provide any and all needed assistance," he tweeted this morning.
The earthquakes have caused the worst disaster in Turkey since 1939, when a quake of the same magnitude as Monday's first (7.8) struck the country, killing approximately 30,000 people.
Ahead, see the ways in which you can help survivors after the tragedy.
Donate
LaunchGood, a crowdfunding platform focused on the Muslim community worldwide, launched a fundraiser to help those affected by the earthquake. "As Muslims, it is our duty to come together in times of hardship and support those in need," they wrote. As of Monday morning, they have raised nearly $8,000. Donate here.
Akut, an entirely voluntary, non-governmental organization involved in searching, assisting and rescuing all who require aid in natural disasters and all other emergency conditions, is also taking donations. The organization is one of the biggest search and rescue organizations in Turkey.
The Turkish Red Crescent, which is the largest humanitarian organization in Turkey and part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, is also assisting in the tragedy. They provide shelter, food, health aid, blood, and social services to those in need. You can donate here.
Donate to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which provides aid in crisis situations around the globe.
You Might Also Like
