7.8 Earthquake Emergency Response in Turkey& Syria

IBC in the Field

International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation (IBC) continues its emergency response efforts and long-term support projects in the earthquake zone by signing the necessary protocols in cooperation with AFAD, Red Crescent, Municipalities, Governorships, Directorate of Migration Management, and all relevant stakeholders with the priority of efficient use of resources.

IBC continues its operations in 6 regions in Türkiye, namely ADIYAMAN, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kahramanmaras, Kilis and Sanliurfa; in 5 camps in Al-Bab in Northwest Syria; and camps and villages in A'zaz including the office established before the earthquake.
As the ninth month of the great catastrophe has passed, IBC continues its activities in the earthquake zones, having completed establishing four community centers, child-friendly areas, and a mother-child care center.
IBC has also been approved by the Ministry of Family and Social Services for all operational support services to carry out activities related to psychosocial support for earthquake victims.
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and the loss of life, the vital needs of earthquake victims are becoming more apparent. In Gaziantep / Islahiye and Hatay, as in many areas where life has come to a standstill, access to basic needs to be improved.
IBC, which regularly conducts need assessments in the earthquake zone, has completed the installation of mobile kitchens, mobile showers, and toilets in many regions.
IBC served over 2000 hot meals daily in mobile kitchens in the region. For earthquake victims who did not have access to hot meals, hot meals were distributed in container cities in Islahiye, Credit and Dormitories Institution, Fevzipasa campus, construction sites of camps and Kirikhan center. Hot meal distributions are still ongoing in the container city of Islahiye.
Undoubtedly, children are among the most vulnerable groups affected by the earthquake. IBC provides clothing, health aids (including medicines and mobile services), hygiene materials, diapers and formula for newborns, children under three, and school-age children, prioritized in its humanitarian aid. The aim is to reach children of all ages and meet their needs while preventing possible secondary and tertiary health, hygiene, and growth retardation risks. At the same time, the Baby Friendly Area established in Elbistan Musiad Container City provides breastfeeding counselling and psychosocial support to mothers who have just given birth and organizes activities that contribute to children's fine motor development.

Links:

• A story full of hope with children in the EQ region