Responding to Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

On February 6, 2023, two earthquakes— 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude— struck Syria and Türkiye, followed by more than 570 aftershocks over the next 24 hours.

The twin quakes resulted in more than 56,000 deaths and many thousands more injured. Nearly 245,000 buildings were damaged or completely destroyed resulting in the displacement of 5.6 million people. An estimated $39.3 billion in damages were reported, including massive damage to the health infrastructure, limiting access to healthcare, and to the water and hygiene infrastructure— increasing the risk of waterborne diseases, such as cholera.

In response, International Medical Corps has:

• Operated mobile medical units (MMUs) and mobile surgical teams to provide health services in camps and temporary shelters;
• Supported health facilities in quake-affected areas by providing critically needed medicines, medical equipment (including such specialized items as MRI software and CT scanners), supplies and training;
• Ensured around-the-clock access to trauma care, MHPSS services (via a hotline) and other services for affected populations;
• Provided specialized care and support to vulnerable women and children through GBV, CP, women’s reproductive health services and nutritional support;
• Improved WASH services to lower the risk of waterborne diseases, such as cholera;
• Procured and delivered nearly 9.7 million items of essential medicines, medical equipment and supplies;
• Procured and delivered 285,233 items of food, water, blankets and kits—including cholera, hygiene and dignity kits;
• Provided 422,410 emergency, primary care, outpatient and surgical consultations;
• Provided 35,873 mental health and 24,074 psychological first-aid (PFA) consultations;
• Provided 41,722 nutrition interventions to women, caregivers and children;
• Provided 18,823 women, girls and children with GBV and CP services—including case management and dignity kits Installed 312 sanitation facilities; and
• Reached 68,809 people through training and capacity building on various health-related topics.

Story from the field: Syria

In the aftermath of devastating earthquakes, a 13-year-old’s life took an unimaginable turn. Displaced during the war in Aleppo, he already faced immense challenges—which were further compounded by the earthquake’s impact, when he lost his hearing aid amid the chaos of the quake. Muhammad was diagnosed with hearing problems at the age of 5, and relied on his hearing aid to fully function in school and society. Though its loss was discouraging, hope was reignited when an International Medical Corps pediatrician was able to quickly identify his need and— with the generous support of our donors—prescribe a new hearing aid after an audiometry test. This gift not only restored the child’s hope but also restored opportunities, enabling him to continue his education and fully participate in the conversations around him in everyday life. His story showcases the true value of a helping hand and the profound impact it can have on someone’s life.

Story from the field: Türkiye

This story is about a 59-year-old father of four children, who lived in Germany for 10 years and returned to Türkiye in 2006. He currently lives in Altnözü, Hatay province. He began to experience some neurological problems while working as a laborer in Germany under stressful and severe working conditions and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He decided to return to Türkiye because he would have easier access to healthcare, which he could not access in Germany. He also previously had suffered from kidney failure and was able to receive a lifesaving kidney transplant from his mother. Unfortunately, these health problems have shaken him economically and psychologically. After the earthquakes he became isolated and stopped complying with his treatment plan. Unable to leave the house due to Parkinson’s disease—he falls occasionally while walking, due to balance problems— he began to work with a physiotherapy team from International Medical Corps partner MSYD, who gave him balance and musclestrengthening training, and provided him with a walking stick. Thanks to the physiotherapy he received, he soon began to feel better both physically and psychologically, and was once again able to leave his home and continue his life.