On February 6, a massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit the south of Turkey close to the town of Gazantiep, affecting thousands of communities in southern Turkey and northern Syria. Hours later, a 7.5-magnitude quake hit just outside Ekinozu-100 km to the north of the previous one. International Medical Corps is responding in both Turkey and Syria, where we have worked since 2008. We expect to provide basic needs as well as robust health services.
At 4:17 a.m. local time on February 6, a massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit the south of Turkey close to the town of Gazantiep, affecting thousands of communities in southern Turkey and northern Syria. Just 11 minutes later, the region was struck by a powerful 6.7-magnitude aftershock. Hours later, at 1:24 p.m. local time, a 7.5-magnitude quake hit just outside Ekinozu-100 km to the north of the previous one.
International Medical Corps is a lead health actor in Syria, having worked for years across different governorates. International Medical Corps' programs in the country include health, mental health, and protection. We will expand these services to meet the needs of the population. In Turkey, International Medical Corps has deployed staff in Ankara who are working with partners to assess the full extent of the damage. We will likely provide basic necessities and deploy mobile medical units.
When International Medical Corps responds to a disaster, we integrate into the existing health infrastructure to get it back on its feet and improve it when necessary. This includes rehabilitating structures, training staff, providing essential equipment and more. Our goal is always to build local readiness so they can be their own best first responders.
