Turkey and Syria were struck by devastating earthquakes on Feb. 6, the first being a magnitude 7.8 that caused large aftershocks, including a 7.5 magnitude earthquake nine hours after the first earthquake occurred. Although this region is earthquake-prone, this was the most devastating to hit Turkey in over 20 years. Additionally, this region has been experiencing other humanitarian crises, making the long-term recovery and rebuilding all the more challenging. Below are funds that have been set up to direct resources, as well as agencies who are on the ground in the region, providing services and support.
Below is a list of agencies that are in the region providing immediate support and response to affected communities.
Center for Disaster Philanthropy Turkey & Syria Earthquake Recovery Fund – The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s (CDP) Turkey & Syria Earthquake Recovery Fund supports earthquake-affected families and communities as they work to rebuild and recover. CDP has strong partnerships and relationships with NGOs in Turkey and Syria. CDP’s Turkey & Syria Earthquake Recovery Fund provides targeted grantmaking that prioritizes needs identified in collaboration with local partners. With an intersectional racial equity lens and an emphasis on medium- and long-term recovery, CDP works to identify gaps in recovery funding to help direct financial and technical support where it is needed most.
Global Giving – Global Giving has launched a $5 million Global Giving Turkey and Syria Earthquake Relief Fund appeal. All donations to this fund will support Turkey and Syria earthquake relief and recovery efforts. Initially, the fund helps first responders meet survivors’ immediate needs for food, fuel, clean water, medicine, and shelter. As needs evolve, they will prioritize longer-term recovery efforts run by local, vetted organizations in the impacted areas. They also offer funding opportunities to support nearly 40 NGOs operating in Turkey and over 60 operating in Syria.
Other organizations you can support
- Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières
- International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
- CARE – is working in both countries
- Catholic Relief Services – CRS is coordinating with local partners in Turkey and Syria to monitor the situation and mobilize a response
- AmeriCares – AmeriCares is sending urgently needed medicines and relief supplies
- International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
- Project Hope Donation Fund
- Save the Children Emergency Fund is launching emergency response efforts to help children and families affected by the earthquake
- UNICEF: United Nations Children’s Fund
- World Central Kitchen – are now in Turkey with boots on the ground to determine food needs.