Story from Cafod:

In the early hours of Monday 6 February 2023, a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Turkey’s border with northern Syria killing thousands of people and turning buildings into rubble.

What is the news on the recent earthquake that hit Türkiye and Syria?

The earthquake and the aftershocks that followed have already killed 22,000 people, injured over 75,000 and destroyed thousands of homes and buildings.  

After the earthquake, over 150 aftershocks occurred with the largest of 7.5 magnitude. Millions of people across Türkiye (Turkey), Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus and Israel felt the earthquake.  

The scale of this disaster is unclear but search and rescue for survivors continues in both Türkiye (Turkey) and Syria in a desperate bid to save lives.   

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How is CAFOD responding?  

CAFOD's local experts are already on the ground and assessing the needs of those affected by the earthquake.

CAFOD has already committed £100,000 to support our local experts who are on the ground providing urgent humanitarian support to survivors of the earthquake.

The local experts that CAFOD works with is already actively helping people in the worst-affected areas. Your donation will be used to help provide shelter, food, water and emergency medical assistance to those in need as well as winter kits to help people cope with the freezing temperatures.

To get support to our partners already responding, DEC has launched an appeal for the earthquake.
 
“Our local partners are working tirelessly to support the search and rescue operation, as well as making sure people have water, hot meals, warm clothing and somewhere safe to go.”
Hombeline Dulière, CAFOD’s Programme Manager for Syria Crisis Response
 
Before the earthquake, CAFOD was already working with local experts providing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable families across Syria that have been affected by the 12 year long conflict.   

For Syrians, this is yet another devastating crisis they need to face. Even before the earthquake, the situation in the region was already bad with 80% of people living in poverty. The results of the conflict are still felt today with a collapsing economy and millions who have been forced to leave their homes. 

CAFOD is also in touch with its sister agency, Caritas Turkey, on the ground in Türkiye. They are currently assessing needs and delivering essential humanitarian aid.

What is the DEC?

CAFOD is part of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) which unites 15 member charities who are experts in humanitarian aid and specialists in different areas of disaster response.

By working together and with broadcasters, we can raise awareness of disasters that put people’s lives at risk and quickly raise significant funds to help those in need.

Please donate today and help us reach families who have lost everything.

The people of Türkiye (Turkey) and Syria continue to need your donations and prayers.
 
“It is heart-breaking that this disaster has hit people who have already suffered so much. The impact has been catastrophic and will be felt in the country for years to come.”
Hombeline Dulière, CAFOD’s Programme Manager for Syria Crisis Response

Pray for Turkey and Syria

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