Turkey earthquakes 2023 – how to help in 2024

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Even though the Turkey earthquakes of 2023 have largely moved off the front page of the news, that doesn’t mean the people affected by them are doing OK. If anything, their needs are greater, especially in south east Turkey and Syria where more than 50,000 people were killed, hundreds of thousands injured and people went missing in the rubble who may never be found, by the earthquakes that struck in early February 2023. Almost three million people have been displaced in Turkey alone, and many are still living in container camps, tents or temporary accommodation, don’t have many clothes to wear (winter temperatures are near freezing in most effected areas and in summer you need to change clothes more often), enough clean underwear to put on, or adequate toilets or washing facilities to use. While people may have basic food supplies there’s no money for treats or unexpected emergencies.

If you want to donate here are some organisations providing help on the ground. If money’s tight in your household please share this post as widely as you can.

HelpTeam
The HelpTeam has a core team of 8 volunteers in the field based in Hatay, with an extended network of volunteers across Hatay, Urfa, Adıyaman, and Diyarbakır, as well as a team based in Northern Syria. They are a licensed volunteer group who need your donations to provide life-saving basic necessities for people still being effected by the Turkey earthquakes. Donations go towards providing food, blankets, nappies, clothing, underwear, and hygiene kits for women. All the team members have been effected by the earthquakes and some have even lost loved ones.  They can accept payment via PayPal or if  you want to donate from a Turkish bank account, get in touch with Elika Rad, one of the coordinators. Turkish bank transfer details will be provided along with proof of how your money was spent. This is one of the groups I have donated to as they focus on women’s as well as other needs.

Support to life – a local organisation focused on the Hatay region, focusing on providing for basic needs like food, shelter and clothing.

Chuffed – Relief for Refugees – working directly with communities in areas that receive little help.

Karem Foundation – this organisation supports displaced Syrians in Turkey and across the region. They have set up an emergency fund for post-earthquake efforts

Ahbap – providing food, shelter and medical supplies

The impact of the Turkey Earthquakes in 2023 will continue to be felt for many years to come, emotionally, physically and financially. I will continue to update this post depending on the season and as I learn more. If you know of any groups working directly with those effected, please post the details in the comments. Thank you for keeping Turkey and Syria in your thoughts. To everyone who reads this posts and responds, whether to donate, share or help in some way remember, together we are strong.