According to official estimates, more than 50,000 people lost their lives in the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. The World Health Organization classifies the quake as the worst natural disaster in Europe this century. To provide rapid assistance to the survivors, terre des hommes is initially providing a total of €250,000 in emergency aid.

Initial aid measures in Turkey

Thousands of people in southeastern Turkey have lost family and friends in an instant. They are left standing amidst the ruins of their homes and desperately need temporary shelter. terre des hommes has provided €50,000 and is working with local partner organizations that are familiar with the situation on the ground and are caring for those affected, including the many distraught and traumatized children. In addition to providing material support, it is crucial that these children not only experience worry and fear, but can also rediscover a sense of normalcy through play, painting, and music 

More than 1,200 families are currently being housed in tents in safe zones near their destroyed homes. There they receive food, clean drinking water, blankets, warm clothing and other vital supplies such as baby food, diapers and medicine.

Dramatic supply situation in Syria

terre des hommes is also providing humanitarian aid in the Syrian cities of Aleppo and Latakia. Millions of Syrian civil war refugees live throughout the region, some of whom have been suffering for twelve years and are already desperately dependent on international aid for their survival. terre des hommes has provided €200,000, including €75,000 from the Volkswagen Employee Foundation.

Angela Kaspar, Chairwoman of the Board of the Volkswagen Employee Foundation, explains: “Our thoughts are with the numerous victims and those affected by the disaster in Turkey and Syria. With this donation, we want to provide quick and unbureaucratic humanitarian aid for people in the earthquake zones, which is urgently needed.”

With the aid measures already underway, our sister organization terre des hommes Italy is providing more than 6,000 people in 22 shelters (13 in Latakia, 9 in Aleppo) with urgently needed blankets and mattresses, as well as hygiene products, lamps, and baby supplies. Many of them are internally displaced persons who have sought refuge from the war in the region. In addition to distributing food, medicine, and warm protective clothing, the aim is to improve their ability to provide for themselves through the distribution of cash.

terre des hommes will further expand its emergency aid in Syria and Turkey to help more earthquake victims. We urgently request donations for this purpose.