Devastating Earthquake in Turkey and Syria

One year since the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck southern Türkiye and northern Syria, affected communities continue to grapple with profound trauma and destruction brought about by the disaster. In Syria alone, where 13,000 lives were lost and hundreds of thousands displaced, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) now warns of soaring humanitarian needs amid a landscape already shattered by protracted conflict.

Even before the February 2023 earthquake, the humanitarian situation in Syria was catastrophic following more than a decade of protracted conflict that had left millions displaced both within and outside the country. The earthquake last year added immense pressure on both the humanitarian response and the already fragile systems in northwest Syria, which are operating at a fraction of their original capacity after 13 years of the crisis.

As the Syrian conflict approaches its fourteenth year, those in need of assistance has risen to 16.7 million people—an increase of 9% from the previous year. Today, 90% of Syrians are living below the poverty line and are facing unsustainable increases in the cost of basic goods – meaning many are struggling to feed their families or having to make tough decisions about paying for food versus other critical needs such as rent or healthcare. A recent needs assessment by the IRC showed that 84% of surveyed households in northwest Syria are living in debt, which threatens their continued access to basic goods and may push them into negative coping mechanisms like fewer meals, child labor, or even early marriage.

The IRC is supporting communities in both Türkiye and northern Syria. Today, the IRC’s response continues to provide urgent relief to earthquake-impacted communities and support for recovery and resilience, including livelihoods trainings and psychosocial support activities. Our services include the provision of immediate cash, basic items such as household kits, dignity kits for women and girls and hygiene supplies. Through partners, the IRC is supporting essential health services in earthquake-affected areas and setting up safe spaces for women and children affected by the crisis.

With your emergency gift, IRC teams can continue to rush supplies and aid to those who need it most — while continuing our critical programs around the world. Your gift allows us to deliver comprehensive help to people affected by humanitarian crises and will be used where and when most needed.

Photo by RAMI AL SAYED/AFP via Getty Images