Catastrophic earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria cause widespread destruction and displacement.
On February 6, two devastating earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.5 struck southeast Turkey and northwest Syria, resulting in widespread destruction and leaving thousands in urgent need of assistance. This tragic disaster sadly claimed the lives of more than 51,000 people, with at least 100,000 wounded and many more still trapped beneath the rubble. An estimated 30 million people in Turkey and 10.9 million in Syria have been affected, making this the most severe earthquake to hit these countries in over a century. The region has experienced ongoing seismic activity with nearly 10,000 aftershocks, some as large as 6.5 magnitudes, causing widespread panic among the local population.
The earthquakes have caused significant damage and destruction to homes, schools, medical facilities, roads, and essential services, making it challenging for those affected to access essentials such as food, water, sanitation, shelter items, and medical care. Adding to the already dire situation, on February 20, two powerful earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.4 and 5.8 struck the region, causing further damage to buildings and highlighting the urgent need for support. The quakes destroyed over 80,000 buildings, displacing at least two million people in Turkey and Syria.
The focus now shifts towards providing crucial assistance to survivors who have lost their homes, belongings, livelihoods, and loved ones. You can make a difference and save lives.
The conditions on the ground
As the people of Türkiye and Syria continue to reel from the devastating earthquakes, the situation on the ground remains dire. The harsh winter weather has exacerbated the challenges that displaced survivors face. Aftershocks, damaged roads, freezing temperatures, shortages in fuel and electricity, and limited supplies impede humanitarian efforts in the affected regions.
The aftermath of the earthquakes has left many without homes, forcing tens of thousands of people to take refuge in government shelters, shopping malls, community centres, and their cars to protect themselves from the cold. The devastation caused by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria is unimaginable, with countless lives lost, homes destroyed, entire communities uprooted, families torn apart, and livelihoods shattered. The trauma and impact of the earthquakes will linger for years to come, and the road to recovery will be long and strenuous, requiring years of dedicated support and effort to repair and rebuild.
Donate now and provide vital emergency aid, to save lives and ease the suffering of those affected.
Islamic Relief is on the ground.
Islamic Relief has been working in Syria and Türkiye for over a decade, and we will continue to stand by communities there as long as they need us. Since the onset of the disaster, our emergency response teams have been working closely with Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD) to provide vital support and relief to affected communities. We are currently assessing how we can rebuild infrastructure, such as homes, health facilities, and schools; assist the most vulnerable in rebuilding their livelihoods; and provide young people with essential mental health and psychosocial support to help them cope with the traumatic events they have experienced.
Our teams are working tirelessly and remaining steadfast in our commitment to providing essential aid and relief to those devastated by the disaster. We have distributed shelter items, food aid, water, medical support, blankets, and mattresses to those in need. Alhamdulillah, we thank Allah (swt) and all our donors and supporters for their continued generosity. You enabled us to provide emergency relief to over a Million people in Türkiye and Syria, Alhamdulillah.
Every donation can make a difference and save a life. We urge you to donate to our Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal to help us provide urgent support to those who need it most.
