Turkey and Syria Earthquake
Dear Editor,
The devastating earthquake that occurred last week in Turkey and Syria has killed more than 33,000 people and flattened thousands of buildings in a region already plagued with humanitarian crises. The magnitude 7.8 quake reverberated across the southeastern region of Turkey along the border of Syria, during a harsh winter storm, hindering rescue efforts and overwhelming hospitals.
International relief organizations estimate that 23 million people are in need of relief after the quake and its aftershocks. The affected cities in Turkey are home to millions of residents and Syrian refugees, and the region of Syria impacted by the quakes has over a million internally displaced Syrians who rely on humanitarian assistance.
While world governments are sending aid, The Boston Foundation has published a Giving Guide on its website on organizations that can receive assistance to help those in need. Here are a few ways citizens can provide philanthropic support to residents of Turkey and Syria:
Turkish Red Crescent: The Turkish Red Crescent is the largest humanitarian organization in Turkey and is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent. They have already mobilized kitchens, tents, and blankets to the affected areas. Support their efforts through the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Doctors without Borders: Doctors without Borders is an international, independent organization that provides medical assistance to people affected by disasters such as the Syria-Turkey earthquake. On the ground, they are treating patients in their supported hospitals, and their teams have donated emergency medical kits to other facilities in the region.
Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS): SAMS is a global medical relief organization that works on the front lines of crisis relief to save lives. They are providing urgent medical care to the injured at Bab Al Hawa hospital among others.
CARE International: Social justice organization CARE International is assessing the most urgent needs to help in the emergency response. CARE Türkiye works closely with Turkish authorities and other organizations to support refugees with food, safe drinking water, and hygiene items.
Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations: UOSSM is a coalition of humanitarian, non-governmental, and medical organizations working under a unified strategic framework to increase the effectiveness of the humanitarian response in areas of crisis.
Save The Children (Emergency Fund): Save The Children is working with partners on the ground to coordinate the national emergency response in Turkey and establish a response team to provide support to children and communities.
At critical times, The Boston Foundation prepares Giving Guides to help both their donors and others find ways to support nonprofits taking on critical issues – locally, nationally and internationally.
Donations can be made on the websites of these organizations.
I hope that you will consider donating to one or more of them as I will be doing.
Thank you,
Bill Schmidt