Update from WCVA below.
On 6 February 2023, an earthquake with magnitude of 7.8 struck south-east Turkey and north-west Syria. A second earthquake, further north of the original epicentre, struck a few hours later, and recorded magnitude of 7.5. Turkey has declared a state of emergency, and both countries have appealed for urgent international assistance. Estimates state that 17 million people are exposed in total. Syria is already in crisis after 13 years of war, an ongoing cholera outbreak and harsh winter conditions.
Thousands have been killed, many more are injured and there are people trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings. With so many buildings destroyed or unsafe, survivors have been left out in the freezing cold.
EXPOSURE TO THE COLD WEATHER IS PUTTING MORE LIVES AT RISK
Exposure to the cold weather is especially dangerous to those who are more vulnerable including older people, children, pregnant women, and those with existing medical conditions. Refugees and displaced people are also more at risk. Syria has the highest number of internally displaced people in the world: 6.8 million.
DEC MEMBER CHARITIES NEED TO RAPIDLY SCALE THEIR RESPONSE
DEC member charities have strong local connections with the community, religious leaders, and elders, and negotiated access locally to ensure they can get aid to the people who need it most. These relationships help ensure aid reaches intended recipients. The DEC plays an oversight role to ensure accountability and transparency.
DEC member charities can scale up across both countries in the most devastated areas but require significant funding to do so. They have initially estimated that a minimum of £140 million will be needed for their response.
SUPPORT THIS EMERGENCY APPEAL
Web: dec.org.uk
Phone: 0370 60 60 610
Text to give/SMS: text HELPU to 70787 to donate £10.
Donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office, or send a cheque by post to Post: DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal, PO Box 999, London EC3A 3AA.
