Here’s How You Can Help Victims Of The 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Across Turkey & Syria

By Lara Lindemann  •  07 Feb 2023 in Features

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An extensive 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck early Monday morning in Turkey and Syria, and was followed by several damaging aftershocks. People were trapped in the wreckage of thousands of devastated buildings as a result of the earthquake; thousands of deaths have been officially confirmed in both nations. As rescue attempts continue, those numbers are anticipated to increase.

Although the epicentre occurred in the Kahramanmaras province of southeast Turkey, north of Gaziantep and close to the Syrian border – whose infrastructure had already been severely damaged by years of civil conflict – it was felt as far away as Cairo.

Sebastien Gay, the head of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières in Syria, asserted in a statement that “Health facilities are adversely affected and swamped, and medics in northern Syria [are] working round the clock to respond to the vast numbers of injured people turning up at the facilities.”

Malaysia has sent 70 personnel from three agencies to assist in the search and rescue (SAR) operation.

Members of the elite Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), members of the HAZMAT (hazardous material) unit, members of the K9 dog tracking unit, members of the Fire and Rescue Department, and individuals from the medical staff from the Armed Forces Royal Medical Corps make up the team.

They will take part in rescue and search operations to locate disaster victims.

According to Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ordered the deployment of the rescue team due to humanitarian concerns and Malaysia’s close connections with Turkey.

How to donate

1. UNICEF

Perhaps on the more recognised organisations, UNICEF is currently on duty in Turkey and Syria aiding victims, children and families of the victims of the tragic, massive earthquake. Donate here.

2. Turkish Red Crescent

TRC is taking donations and offering dietary assistance, blood donations, and medical care to individuals hurt or affected by the earthquakes.

Dr. Kerem Kınık, the organisation’s president, also invites citizens to donate blood.

3. Humanity & Inclusion

With an emphasis on the elderly and those with disabilities, the organisation works in Turkey and Syria to give food and basic housing essentials. Donations are being accepted here.

4. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

These teams are working alongside health authorities, offering medical aid. To donate, click here.

5. The Syrian American Medical Society

SAMS offers emergency medical services. Numerous hospitals in the area were already overcrowded, and the earthquakes also caused damage to some of them. Donations can be made online with PayPal or by texting EarthquakeSyria to 71777.

6. CARE International

This social justice organisation is attempting to determine which local needs are most critical. According to the organisation, teams and partners are attempting to provide blankets, food, mattresses, tents, and other non-food supplies to people in need despite adverse weather. Donate here.

The public is recommended to check whether the organisation, NGO, or group has a track record of providing aid to those in need in order to avoid charity frauds. Determine regional programmes and initiatives that are centred in the regions most impacted by the natural disaster.

Also be wary of telemarketing calls and emails asking for donations and avoid visiting unreliable websites and agencies. Note that after significant catastrophes, scammers tend to make websites that resemble donation pages.