The Deadliest Earthquake in Two Decades
On February 6, two powerful earthquakes erupted across Türkiye and Syria. One of the deadliest earthquakes in over 20 years, the initial 7.8 magnitude earthquake was centered near Gaziantep, a city in south central Türkiye home to millions of Syrian refugees. The second 7.5 magnitude earthquake was felt nearly nine hours later, and almost 2,000 aftershocks have been reported. As of now, over 40,000 people have died, nearly 80,000 more have been injured, and 6,000 buildings have been destroyed – and numbers are only expected to rise. About 80,000 rescue personnel have been deployed, working in near-freezing temperatures searching for survivors among the rubble.
Islamic Relief’s Response to Earthquake
Islamic Relief is working with local partners across Türkiye and Syria to distribute emergency relief. In Türkiye, families are receiving cash assistance to help pay for vital aid including food, water, and medicine. In Syria, families are being provided with their most immediate needs. And in coming months, we plan to focus on long-term development aid. Join us and help support your brothers and sisters across Türkiye and Syria in their time of need.
Focus on Türkiye
Türkiye is one of the more advanced nations of those we work in across Europe. However, it’s still severely affected by poverty. High unemployment among youth and gender inequality have led to a significant setback in the economy, and inflation is rising as resources such as gas and electricity are almost unaffordable. In certain areas of the country, climate-induced natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and forest fires are very common. To add, Türkiye is the largest refugee-hosting country in the world. As of last year, it’s home to nearly 4 million refugees, 3.5 million of which are Syrian.
Focus on Syria
More than 11 years of conflict in Syria has killed hundreds and thousands of people, including women and children. The standard of living has been set back by decades. Roughly 6.9 million people are displaced within Syria while 6.8 million have been forced out of their country – which when combined, amounts to more than half of the country’s population in distress.
More than 70% of Syrians live in poverty. Millions have lost their livelihoods and are unable to meet their basic needs including access to food, clean water, and health care. The children of Syria are of the most affected. Many don’t know life outside of war and will be forced to face the long-term effects of physical and mental trauma. As Muslims, it is incumbent upon us to help our brothers and sisters suffering across Syria.
