Rotary responds to the devastated communities of Türkiye and Syria.
(Photos: Adem Altan/AFP)
On February 6, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck southern Türkiye (formerly Turkey) near the Syrian border. This was followed almost nine hours later by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake situated approximately 95 kilometres to the southwest. More than 4,300 aftershocks have hit the disaster zone since the initial earthquake, complicating the rescue effort. A further two powerful quakes, measuring 6.4 and 5.8 magnitude respectively, shook the southern province of Hatay just two weeks after the original quakes, causing further death and destruction.
Türkiye’s death toll has climbed above 44,000, with the figure expected to rise further, given that more than 345,000 apartments were destroyed and many people are still unaccounted for. In Syria, already devastated by years of war, authorities have said more than 5,900 people died. More than 130,000 people have been injured.
Hans Kluge, the World Health Organisation’s Europe director, said relief workers were facing “the worst natural disaster in the region for a century”, adding that 26 million people need assistance across both countries, many of them in urgent need of shelter, food and medical treatment. The WHO launched the largest rescue operation of its kind in the organisation’s 75-year history.
“The first devastating earthquake occurred when people were asleep in their beds inside their houses, with no warning indications,” said Murat Sevinc, Editor in Chief of the Turkish Rotary Magazine.
“Thousands of structures have fallen, including hospitals and schools, and infrastructure has been severely damaged. People in severe winter circumstances have been left without shelter and are in critical need of blankets, emergency shelter, food, and clean water.”
“In Türkiye alone, an estimated one million people are living in tents and temporary shelters, while at least 80,000 injured people are in hospital. In Syria, up to five million people may be homeless, many already internally displaced after fleeing civil war.”
In Türkiye alone, an estimated one million people are living in tents and temporary shelters, while at least 80,000 injured people are in hospital. In Syria, up to five million people may be homeless, many already internally displaced after fleeing civil war.
“There have been glimmers of hope, with six additional individuals recovered from the wreckage in Türkiye on February 14 as rescue attempts continued. However, the emphasis is turning from rescue to recovery,” Murat said.
The Rotary world responded to this catastrophe immediately. RI President Jennifer Jones activated our disaster response efforts, communicated with the affected districts, and encouraged governors in those regions to apply for disaster response grants and share information about their relief efforts so that Rotary can amplify the calls for support.
The Rotary Foundation Trustees decided that all donations made to the Turkey/Syria Disaster Response Fund, up until March 31, will be used to aid earthquake relief projects. In addition, the Trustees made available more than $125,000 to Rotary districts affected by the earthquake through disaster response grants.
“We are facing one of the greatest humanitarian crises of the century in our country,” said District 2440 (West and South West Türkiye) Governor Serdar Durusut.
“We express our condolences to the families and relatives of all our citizens who lost their relatives in the earthquake, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.
“Our coordination meetings started in the early hours after the earthquake. Many studies, such as the areas that AFAD has not reached yet, information about the situation of all earthquake victims and lists of needs are being carried out and all developments are being followed.
“In this context, the necessary coordination is carried out with the members of our District 2430 clubs and our Rotarian friends. Concerning the size of the affected area and the establishment of the main help points in this process, the necessary submissions will be started as soon as possible.
“As District Governors of 2420, 2430 and 2440, and their officials, applications for the Rotary Foundation Disaster Support Fund for $100,000 were initiated. TL and US Dollar accounts were also opened for financial contributions. Financial support can be through these accounts.
“We wish strength to all our heroes who put their lives on the line to save our citizens under the wreckages and to provide all humanitarian support, especially health, to the earthquake victims.”
Rotary’s project partner ShelterBox also has an emergency response team assessing the needs in the region and how it can respond. That team is communicating with Rotary district leaders. Rotary’s service partner Habitat for Humanity International is also working on its response.
Here’s how to have the greatest impact: Give to Turkey/Syria Disaster Response Fund Donations help clubs and districts provide aid and support rebuilding efforts where the need is greatest. The funds are distributed to affected communities through disaster response grants. The Disaster Response Fund can accept cash contributions and District Designated Funds (DDF). Rotary Australia World Community Service Appeal Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) has commenced fundraising activities to support communities impacted by the Türkiye and Syrian earthquakes. RAWCS will work with local and international Rotary networks to facilitate the distribution of funds raised. “The money raised from the appeals will go directly and quickly to support those impacted, providing essential items and financial support to supplement the funds that are being provided by world governments,” said RAWCS CEO Andrew Woodward. Andrew said he expects the appeals to not only raise much needed funds, but also specific goods, including medical equipment and supplies that can be repurposed in the affected areas. Tax Deductible Donations to the appeal can be made on the RAWCS website at rawcs.org.au or directly to the appeal via donations.rawcs.com.au/59-2022-23. Rotary New Zealand World Community Service Appeal Rotary New Zealand World Community Service (RNZWCS) is raising funds to provide financial assistance to those affected in all communities in the impacted earthquake areas. Individuals and communities will be identified, with priority given to those who are most vulnerable. Donations can be made to the RNZWCS Limited Westpac account: 03 1702 0192208 02 or 01 Ref: 016 SWIFT Code: WPACNZ2W Direct financial support TL Contributions: Bank Name: Yapı Kredi Bankası Account Name: ROTARY 2440 BÖLGE FEDERASYONU IBAN : TR 90 0006 7010 0000 0058 3760 85 USD Contributions: Account Name: ROTARY 2440. BÖLGE FEDERASYONU IBAN : TR03 0006 7010 0000 0073 7402 20