In the early hours of February 6th, 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Turkey (Turkiye) and Syria, followed by 200+ aftershocks in the region. The death toll has now surpassed 47,000, with so many others still missing. More than 12,000 buildings in Turkey have been destroyed and many more threaten to crumble.
On February 20th, yet another massive and deadly quake, this one of 6.4 magnitude, hit the south of Turkey near the border with Syria. A magnitude 5.8 quake followed, along with dozens of aftershocks.
Oxfam, together with our partners in Turkey and Syria, is working to reach nearly 2 million people – 10 percent of the population affected by the quake – with aid and support so that they can rebuild their lives.
Meryem Aslan, Oxfam Spokeswoman in Turkey said “People are living in cars, mosques, in tents or huddling around fires in freezing conditions. Emergency shelters are overwhelmed and over-crowded. Many people do not want to stay in the area with hundreds of thousands having been evacuated out of the region.”
Oxfam, together with our partners, is on the ground establishing an overview of immediate humanitarian need, as well as long term needs, as this disaster will have a deep impact on people’s lives and livelihoods.
People most urgently need shelter, and immediate food, water and blankets and medical support.
Your contribution will provide lifesaving support to those affected by this disaster.
(Photo: Tineke D'haese/Oxfam)
