Turkey-Syria quake: Here is how you can help
We have compiled a list of options to extend help to the quake victims in Syria and Turkey
February 10, 2023
The images of widespread devastation coming from Turkey and Syria are quite harrowing and bone-chilling. The massive 7.8 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes on Monday and concomitant aftershocks have unleashed disturbing scenes across the landscape in the two countries where several people are still said to be trapped under the rubble.
The terrifying tremors turned thousands of buildings into debris in the two countries where the death toll has exceeded 21,000. Rescuers are fighting against time to dig people out of the rubble of collapsed buildings.
In both Turkey and Syria, thousands of families are forced to spend nights in the freezing cold. Meanwhile, the search and rescue operation is underway to save the lives of those trapped in the two countries -- southeastern Türkiye and northern Syria.
So far, the death toll in Turkey has risen to over 17,000, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). The death toll in Syria has risen to beyond 3,000, according to the country's Ministry of Health and the White Helmets rescue organisation. Thousands of people have sustained injuries on both sides.
Here is how you can help
There are individuals with a benevolent spirit and a keen desire to help those affected by the earthquake. These kind-hearted people have some avenues through which they can extend their generosity. These options will ensure that their contributions are properly channeled to provide crucial support and solace to those in dire need during this critical time.
1. The Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan is a non-profit organization based in Pakistan. It has been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, providing succor to those in need since 1990.
The organisation has earned a sterling reputation for its tireless welfare efforts. As a leading provider of relief in Pakistan and beyond its borders, it continues to work throughout the year.
Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan recently led relief efforts and raised funds for flood-ravaged regions in Pakistan. Now, as the world reacts to the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria, the organization has again stepped up to lend a helping hand. This time by collecting funds to aid the victims of this tragedy.
2. The Minhaj Welfare Foundation is another Pakistan-based entity with global exposure, spearheading the humanitarian cause worldwide. The foundation is one of the largest non-government international charity organisations in the world, with a network of branches and projects in over 100 countries.
The charity outfit is seen rendering sterling welfare services across the globe, especially the African continent.
The MWF champions the humanitarian cause on multiple fronts including social welfare, education and relief of poverty, sickness and distress irrespective of nationality, race, ethnic origin and religious beliefs.
The welfare outfit extends assistance to the poor and needy in marginalised communities. It provides the poor with access to basic healthcare, ensures children have access to education and strives to get them their rights.
The organisation is collecting donations for quake-hit Turkey and Syria.
3. Turkey's disaster management agency, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) is leading the search and rescue efforts on the ground in Turkey. The organisation is accepting donations for relief operations in affected areas. You can visit the agency's official website to make a donation.
4. AKUT is another Turkey-based non-governmental organisation involved in various charity functions including assisting and rescuing victims of the earthquake. They are accepting donations.
5. The International Rescue Committee was established in 1933 at the behest of legendary Albert Einstein. The charity has been offering welfare services for nearly a century.
As a non-government humanitarian organization, the IRC operates in over 40 countries, with a tireless aim to bring health, safety, education, economic stability, and power back to communities ravaged by conflict and disaster.
Sadly, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria has left the region in dire need of aid and support. The IRC's Syria Humanitarian Response Plan for 2022-2023, aimed at providing much-needed assistance, is currently underfunded, with less than 50% of the required $4 billion raised. The recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have only compounded the situation, intensifying both the quantity and severity of needs on the ground.
In light of this dire situation, the IRC is once again rising to the challenge, collecting funds to support those affected by the earthquake in both Turkey and Syria.
6. Islamic Relief Worldwide is a humanitarian organisation dedicated to supporting the world's most vulnerable populations. The organisation is accepting donations for the distressed people in quake-destructed regions.
7. Founded in the United Kingdom in 1919, Save The Children Fund offers hope for children in need around the world. Committed to promoting the well-being of children through education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, the organisation has made a profound impact on the lives of countless young people.
Recently, the organisation has been at the forefront of relief efforts in Pakistan, providing aid to children affected by devastating floods.
And now, in the aftermath of the earthquake that has struck Turkey and Syria, the charity has once again risen to the challenge, working round the clock to arrange funds for the benefit of children hit by this tragedy.
8. The Union of Medical Care and Relief Organisations has worked on the ground in Syria since 2012. The charity has been providing relief and medical care to victims of war in Syria ever since.
In an urgent call for help, the welfare organisation has called upon the international community to release emergency funds for aid and rescue resources.
9. Based in Turkey, IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation is a charity offering welfare services in more than 120 countries. IHH provides humanitarian relief in areas of war, earthquake, hunger, and conflict.
10. Established in 2009, Penny Appeal is a leading Muslim non-profit humanitarian organization with a global reach, operating in the United Kingdom, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Dedicated to improving lives through a range of initiatives, including water solutions, mass meal plans, orphan care, and emergency relief, Penny Appeal has earned a reputation as one of the most impactful organisations of its kind.
In the face of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, Penny Appeal has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to those in need. With teams on the ground working in partnership with local organisations, the charity is working steadily to reach those affected by the disaster and provide essential aid, including medical assistance and other necessities.
11. Having taken decisive action in response to the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is providing vital aid and support to those in need.
As one of the world's foremost humanitarian organisations, the UNICEF is uniquely positioned to address the challenges faced by children and families in times of crisis.
UNICEF is working to ensure that the most pressing needs are met by assessing the impact of the earthquake on critical services, such as water stations and schools.
The organisation's efforts are guided by its commitment to the welfare of children, and as such, reuniting children with their families is a top priority.
12. AHBAP is yet another welfare network that spearheads the charitable cause with the help of over 200 philanthropists and 30,000 volunteers on board. The charity's workers help provide shelter, food and medical supplies to those in need.
13. OXFAM is a British-founded confederation of 21 independent charitable organisations focusing on the alleviation of poverty at the global level. The charity is working with women’s cooperatives in Türkiye to determine an appropriate response plan.
14. NuDay is a non-profit organisation involved in different initiatives aimed at empowering Syria's women and children for a brighter future.
15. Doctors Without Borders is an international welfare organisation that responds to global medical emergencies. The charity is collecting donations for the quake-hit areas of Turkey and Syria.
16. The Syrian American Medical Society is a United States-based humanitarian group. The aid agency provides medical care in Syria and nearby countries. It is also receiving donations to deliver emergency aid to the quake-ravaged regions of the two countries.
17. Global Giving is a charity that helps local nonprofit agencies. The charity is collecting donations to help fund emergency medical workers’ ability to provide food, shelter and medicine, among other necessities. The organisation said it would remain committed to long-term assistance as needs in Türkiye and Syria change.
18. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is also on the ground providing assistance to earthquake victims in the two countries. The charity is accepting donations for its Disaster Response Emergency Fund so it can send “immediate cash assistance.”
19. CARE is another welfare organisation working for the good of impoverished communities. The organisation provides food, shelter and hygiene kits in troubled areas. The organisation is accepting donations.
