Text by Mariana Ferro

Altan Adem_AFP_Getty images_Turkey_ 07 feb 2023 — Altan Adem AFP, Getty images, Turkey, 07/02/2023

On February 6th, a major earthquake struck southern Turkey and other areas of Syria, resulting in more than 41,000 deaths and causing thousands of facilities to collapse. With a sweeping magnitude of 7.8, this was one of the century's deadliest earthquakes, followed by hundreds of strong aftershocks (CNN). There is an urgent need for resources to provide basic humanitarian aid to those who have been directly affected by these events in the middle of the winter season. A single one-euro donation converts into 20,22 Turkish Liras or 2,69 Syrian pounds, which can make a vital difference.
Support can come in many ways - from donating directly to reliable organisations or attending events that support the cause.

Organisations you can donate to:

@mezzalunarossakurdistan_italia

Mezzaluna Ross Kurdistan (“Heyva Sor a Kurdistanê”) is an international association active since 1993, the largest humanitarian organization for Kurdistan. It operates in the Kurdistan area, bringing medical care and basic necessities to the populations affected by the war; they also finance the reconstruction of public buildings, such as schools, hospitals, and clinics. The Italian branch, "Mezzaluna Rossa Kurdistan Italia Onlus", has been active since 2015 and is the only organization in Italy co-managed by Kurdish and Italian volunteers.

@afad_adana

Disaster and Emergency Management Authority is an institution focusing on disaster prevention and minimising post-incident damages, as well as promoting collaboration with government bodies and NGOs.

@the_whitehelmets

The White Helmets (or Syria Civil Defense) are a community-based humanitarian organization consisting of over 3000 volunteers who are motivated to provide vital aid in opposition-held Syrian territories.

@oxfaminternational

The Oxfam organisation is an international alliance of 21 (NGOs) and global partners dedicated to combating injustice and global poverty.

@molhamteam

The Molham Team is an NGO founded by a group of devoted Syrian university students to help Syrian refugees and displaced people in northern Syria and neighbouring countries.

@akutdernegi

AKUT is a voluntary NGO that focuses on research, rescuing, and assisting individuals at risk in nature-related environments and incidents natural environments and incidents.

@ahbap

AHBAP is a Turkish volunteer-based organisation that seeks to strengthen local communities and assist those in need by providing all kinds of help.

@heyvasor

Heyva Sor (or Kurdish Red Moon) is a non-profit humanitarian organisation that assists people in vulnerable areas (war zones, disaster zones, and poverty areas), with a particular emphasis on the Middle East.

Call for action: Humanitarian aid for Turkey and Syria