Türkiye and Syria Earthquakes

Deadly Earthquakes have struck Türkiye and Syria

  • Tens of thousands of people have lost their lives after earthquakes struck the Türkiye and Syria borders.
  • The 7.8 magnitude earthquake is one of the strongest to hit the region in 100 years.
  • Save the Children is meeting immediate needs and providing life-saving assistance in Türkiye and Syria.

On Monday, February 6 at 4:17 am local time, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck southern Türkiye and Northwestern Syria. Centred in Kahramanmaras province in Türkiye, the earthquake was followed by more than 312 aftershocks that same day. The earthquake struck an area that is home to millions of refugees already battling desperate circumstances.

13.5 million people affected by the damage, over 35,000 lives lost, 5.3 million people displaced, over 25,000 buildings collapsed or badly damagedElectricity is nonexistent in some affected areas. Several highways have collapsed and two airports shut down due to damage. The cold and snowy weather conditions in the region often result in sub-zero temperatures. Some areas are still waiting for rescue teams and many people remain exposed to the harsh weather and risk of hypothermia without access to appropriate shelter or heat.

Officials estimate that the earthquake will affect as many as 23 million people in both countries, through loss of shelter, heat, electricity, clean water, and communication services.

Iyad*, 15, with his family in the car where they are now living in Syria. Iyad’s* family received blankets and food from a Save the Children partner organization. Photo Credit: Save the Children

Our Response:

  • In Türkiye, our teams are coordinating closely with local partners on the ground, including Turkish Red Crescent and Support to Life, to distribute tents, hygiene kits, clothing, heaters, blankets and other essential items. In addition, our Emergency Health Unit (EHU), which provides life-saving healthcare in emergencies, is deployed to Türkiye to conduct assessments.
  • In North West Syria, we’re working with long-standing local partners to distribute tents and winterization kits as well as provide health centres with much-needed fuel.

 

How to Help:

  • Your donation to the Children’s Emergency Fund enables us to respond to crises around the world, whether from conflict, climate change or natural disaster.
  • Right now, children are missing out on the futures they deserve due to the effects of inequality and other issues such as the climate crisis, conflict and poverty. As a monthly donor, you can make a difference in their lives.
  • Gather your network of friends and family to fundraise for the Children’s Emergency Fund, supporting children affected by the earthquake as well as crises around the world.

Save the Children is a humanitarian organization you can trust. Read more about how we use your donation so you can give with confidence that you’re helping children in times of crisis. 

 

5 Questions About the Earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria:

1. Are earthquakes common in Türkiye?

Türkiye is an active earthquake zone. Experts note that most of Türkiye sits on the Anatolian plate between two major faults, the North Anatolian Fault and East Anatolian Fault.

2. What are the challenges to the ongoing relief efforts?

12 years of conflict in Syria, the effects of the earthquake are being compounded by the existing destruction, fuel shortages and a collapsed economy. The harsh winter weather is also creating challenges, as rescuers battle freezing conditions.

3. How have refugees and displaced people been impacted by the earthquakes?

Türkiye hosts more than 3.5 million Syrian refugees who have fled their country’s civil war, almost half of them children. The affected area in Türkiye is also close to the Syrian border, where more than 6.8 million people were internally displaced in Syria before the earthquake.

Save the Children is concerned about the many already vulnerable Syrian refugees living in overcrowded and unstable accommodation in Türkiye. The affected area in Syria is home to many vulnerable displaced people.

According to UNHCR, the exact number of refugees impacted is not yet know and might not be  for some days. It is feared the number of refugees impacted might be significant.

4. What impact did the earthquake have?

Over 2,800 buildings have collapsed in Türkiye, including hospitals, schools, and government buildings, with Save the Children racing to assess the immediate needs of children and their families.

Sasha Ekanayake, Save the Children Türkiye Country Director, said:  “This is one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the region in 100 years and made thousands homeless, while the region is experiencing freezing weather and snowstorms. Schools in the affected areas are now closed for a week. Our teams are moving quickly to check all our staff are safe, and to respond to the emergency, but it’s crucial that the international community acts now to provide support to the thousands of people in need.”

5. How can I help survivors of the Türkiye and Syria earthquakes?

Your donation to the Children’s Emergency Fund enables us to respond to crises around the world, whether from conflict, climate change or natural disasters.