The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is stepping up emergency response efforts to assist victims of the powerful earthquake that struck southern Türkiye and north-west Syria just before sunrise on Monday, February 6. According to UN reports, the 7.8 magnitude earthquake and more than 140 aftershocks devastated the region near Nurdagl and Gaziantep, injuring over 80,278 people and killing over 31,000 as per 14 February. Authorities claim it was the most powerful earthquake in over a century.
More than 24,921 buildings including hospitals were destroyed according to local authorities. The disaster had a significant impact on north-west Syria, where over 4 million people are currently in need of humanitarian assistance. The vast majority are women and children.
ADRA continues to conduct emergency response operations in Türkiye, to deliver immediate relief to families affected by the earthquakes.
📦Over the last few days, our team and volunteers distributed gas stoves to families in the area of Nurdagi, Türkiye, one of the heavier affected areas by the earthquake – in collaboration with local organizations.
⛺Shelter is also a top priority due to the number of buildings collapsed and severely damaged. Access to family tents, relief items and heating are urgent.
While ADRA’s emergency response team works on resourcing winter-proof family-tents (that allow families to use gas heaters inside), ADRA volunteers, in collaboration with local organisations, supported 1,360 individuals over the last week with supplies according to specific needs. These included food baskets, winter items such as gas heaters, underwear, socks and shoes. Cleaning and personal hygiene items were also distributed.
“For over ten years, ADRA offices have been implementing a variety of humanitarian relief projects, including shelter, health, and education initiatives for refugee families and children in the region. In the aftermath of this massive disaster, ADRA remains committed to assisting vulnerable communities and families in rebuilding their lives. Please keep Syria and Türkiye in your thoughts and prayers,” says Kelly Dowling, emergency response manager for ADRA International.
Visit adraindonesia.org to learn more about ADRA’s disaster relief efforts in Türkiye, Syria, and other worldwide crises, as well as how you can support ADRA’s global humanitarian mission. To make a contribution to ADRA’s emergency fund, please donate to: adraindonesia.org/gift-donation.
