Turkiye-Syria Earthquake: March update

The earthquakes of early February that devastated Turkiye and Syria have begin to slip from public conscious but the struggle to save and rebuild lives continues.

The role of Muslim-led charities remains essential in delivering emergency response and long-term, sustainable aid solutions. Many MCF members and associated partners delivered aid response within the first 24 hours of the crisis, in the form of food items, blankets, tents, medical assistance and water aid.   Since this time, they have continued to work from their field offices and with partners on the ground, to continue search and rescue efforts, build and provide shelter to the million affected by the disaster. More than 50,000 people lost their lives in the early hours of 6th February 2023 and in the following days, as powerful earthquakes rocked the region at the border with Syria.

March update:

MCF is coordinating response updates from the region, sharing resources, information and ongoing needs.

The 14-15^th of March saw severe rainfall in the earthquake hit areas of both Türkiye and Syria which led to flooding in some of these areas.  This has hampered aid efforts and increased risk to vulnerable people.

In Türkiye the floods have affected the provinces of Adiyaman and Sanliurfa, with a death toll of at least 18 people and many more injured. The flood has also damaged an estimated 2000 houses and civilian structures.  

The earthquake-stricken areas of Aleppo, Hama and Idlib have experienced heavy rainfall and as a result severe flooding. This has put even more stress on the already difficult situation in the region where humanitarian aid is stretched to its fullest. The floods caused in at least 30 displacement sites caused around 1500 tents to be destroyed or damaged.  The volume of water has placed the area at risk of landslide and further destruction.

Ongoing needs:

Priority needs in Syria remain emergency food assistance, plastic sheeting, and more tents and shelters to keep people warm and dry in this difficult climate.  

Shelter and WASH are the highest priority across both Türkiye and Syria, gaps in water sanitation and hygiene facilities are likely to cause spread in diseases as previously cases of cholera had been reported in the region.  

The medical facilities in the North-Western region of Syria are run mainly by NGOs due to lack in local government so providing medical equipment and medical services where possible is a must.  

Clearance efforts, rebuilding, repair and alternative adequate housing is essential as time progresses. Many are displaced from their homes and will be unable to return (if at all) for many months.

Moving forward:

Funds are required to continue relief efforts. Focus needs to remain now on healthcare and substantial shelter. Without these, those who are exposed to the elements and at risk of illness, will suffer further.

MCF members and other charities with established response in the area are invited to make contact at info@muslimcharitiesforum.org.uk to join the coordinated response.