Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria: how to help the population?

The border region between Turkey and Syria was devastated by massive earthquakes on Monday. While the toll registers more than 16,000 dead and tens of thousands injured, millions of people have been left homeless and without access to clean water. All over the world, solidarity is put in place to help the victims of the Turkish and Syrian disaster. While many states have already mobilized, individuals are also invited to send their donations.

Call for international solidarity

In Turkey and Syria the budget is growing. There are now at least 16,000 dead and tens of thousands injured. More than five million survivors are in a situation of absolute emergency, and 23 million are weakened. International solidarity is taking shape and 45 states have already mobilised. In Europe, the civil protection plan made it possible to send a thousand rescuers and firefighters from member states.
Time is running out and even private individuals can help Turkey and Syria by sending their donations to associations and NGOs present there. Organizations favor financial contributions: sending essential goods or food is discouraged, as it is too difficult to deliver under current circumstances. The money raised by the associations will allow them to finance their actions.

Which associations should I send donations to?

The donations received will allow the various local or international associations present on site to finance the purchase of foodstuffs, the transport and purification of water and basic necessities:

Local associations and NGOs

On Instagram, the Gulhurgel account lists local charities you can support immediately. These organizations will take over the place to provide survivors with basic help:

• AFAD: AFAD is Turkey’s official disaster and emergency management department. You can send them your donations directly on the dedicated platform.
• AKUT: This NGO helps earthquake victims and is renowned for its transparency in the use of donations. It also has a dedicated donation platform.
• AHBAD: This NGO intervenes daily in the affected regions and currently supports the survivors of the tragedy. Accept donations online.

French and international NGOs and associations:

These associations work with the victims of the Syrian and Turkish disasters. They have launched appeals for donations to finance their actions on the spot:

• Popular help: Popular relief has already announced that it has allocated over 100,000 euros to help local populations through the distribution of basic necessities and hygiene kits. You can contribute on the online platform.
• UNICEF France: on site, Unicef ​​​​is in particular responsible for providing drinking water to the population. The organization has created a page dedicated to collecting donations.
• The French Red Cross: the French Red Cross responds to the urgent needs of survivors. The donations collected through the website will be partly redistributed to local partners of the association, such as the Turkish Red Crescent and the Syrian Red Crescent.
• OXFAM: OXFAM said it is focusing its efforts on access to food, clean water and sanitation with the distribution of hygiene kits and temporary shelters, among others. The NGO has created a platform dedicated to the disaster.
• World vision : the international association that helps underprivileged children uses donations received online to finance fuel for heating units, emergency kits and housing solutions.
• UNHCR: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees accompanies the affected populations. With the funds raised, the organization distributes basic necessities such as thermal blankets and mattresses.

In this region of the world, temperatures are currently approaching zero degrees. The devastated area lacks drinking water and the hygienic conditions favor the spread of the disease. Thanks to the donations received, local organizations will be able to support the victims and provide them with the food and equipment essential for their survival.

Front page visual photo credit: Oxfam screenshot