How to help those affected by the Turkey-Syria earthquake
From wherever you are in the world
My thoughts remain with those affected by the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria. I’ve updated the list below with additional aid organisations, initiatives and appeals that are supporting the rescue and relief effort in and around the city of Gaziantep in south-east Turkey. Please, please consider donating if possible.
International Women of Istanbul
The International Women of Istanbul (IWI) is a non-profit social organisation providing a support network for international women living in and around Istanbul. In other words, a lifeline for expats like me. The IWI will be staging a series of events in Istanbul in the coming months to raise funds for the relief effort in south-east Turkey. If you are in Istanbul, please do get involved — if not, donations big and small are greatly welcomed by the board. Project details to be announced soon.
Refik Anadol Charity Crypto Wallet
The Turkish AI artist Refik Anadol has launched a crypto fundraiser on Twitter and announced that the funds raised will be split between AFAD (more below) and Ahpap.
‘This funds will help so much for people under massive challenges in the most cold days,’ he wrote. ‘Hope we can gather together a strong support in web3 community!’
Established in 1995, Akut is a Turkish voluntary non-governmental organization for disaster search and rescue relief. Akut currently has numerous search dogs and around 640 volunteers in the affected disaster zone, and has already helped to rescue more than 40 people from the rubble. If your mobile operator is either TURKCELL, VODAFONE or AVEA and you are located in Turkey, write AKUT in an empty SMS and send to 2930; 10 TL will be donated to AKUT.
THE BRITISH RED CROSS TURKEY-SYRIA EARTHQUAKE APPEAL
Following the earthquake, the British Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal with the Turkish Red Crescent and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. The Turkish Red Crescent has mobilised teams in more than 10 regions across the country, while the Syrian Arab Red Crescent is delivering assistance and support to those in need in the regions of Hama, Aleppo and Lattakia. Together, they are providing emergency first aid and evacuating people to safety.
Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) works to minimise disaster-related damages and coordinate post-response operations. In cooperation with public institutions, organisations and NGOs, AFAD is carrying out work to meet the urgent needs of survivors, many of whom have been left homeless in freezing and snowy conditions.
Oxfam is providing protection, water and sanitation, as well as shelter and food to those affected by the earthquake. In the longer-term, it will also look to provide rehabilitation and reconstruction. The Turkish branch is currently working with around 80 women’s cooperatives in the ten provinces most affected by the quake.
The charity is prioritising children and their families in Turkey and North West Syria, who have lost everything. Teams on the ground are providing affected communities with emergency kits containing blankets, medical supplies and winter clothing.
*In emergencies such as this one, I’ve read that cash donations are preferable because they allow people to get what they most need when they most need it.