By Gaya Katuri | Development Coordinator
As of October 2024, it has been over a year and a half since the catastrophic earthquakes struck Türkiye and Syria on February 6, 2023. These devastating events resulted in the loss of more than 60,000 lives and left approximately 1.5 million people homeless. While the immediate crisis has faded from media headlines, the reality for millions remains dire, and the need for humanitarian aid is more pressing than ever.
The impact of the earthquakes has been profound, with over 14 million individuals directly affected by the disaster and its aftershocks. Cities like Adiyaman and Hatay were devastated, experiencing widespread destruction across a vast area of about 140,000 square miles. Many survivors continue to grapple with the physical and emotional scars left by these events, facing food insecurity, inadequate shelter, and ongoing psychological trauma.
In Syria, the situation is especially dire. The country has faced a protracted civil war since 2011, resulting in the world’s largest refugee and internal displacement crisis. Over 60% of the pre-war population has been uprooted, with more than 5 million displaced abroad and over 7 million internally displaced. The humanitarian need remains exceptionally high, with an estimated 16.7 million people in Syria requiring assistance in 2024. The earthquakes only worsened an already critical situation, leading to increased food insecurity and heightened vulnerability among displaced communities.
In Türkiye, Concern Worldwide has been working for over a decade with the government to support the refugee population through education, livelihoods, and protection programs. However, the earthquakes intensified the urgency of this work, leaving millions homeless and compounding the vulnerabilities of those already affected by the refugee crisis. Since the disaster, Concern has positively impacted over 600,000 people in Türkiye, providing essential services such as shelter, food, cash, clean water, sanitation, and psychological support. In response to the earthquakes, our teams mobilized swiftly to deliver urgent aid, reaching over 375,000 individuals. We provided food to over 55,000 people and distributed household kits, including hygiene items, to more than 126,000 individuals affected by the earthquake.
As we move into the winter months of 2024, survivors face fluctuating temperatures and the uncertainty of rebuilding their lives amidst ongoing trauma. Many still live in temporary shelters, and the psychological impacts of the disaster linger, particularly among children.
It is essential to recognize that the recovery process will take years, and sustained support is crucial. As the situation evolves, we must not forget those in Türkiyeand Syria who continue to fight for their futures. The work of Concern Worldwide and other organizations continues to be essential in providing life-saving assistance and fostering resilience, but the work is far from over. Their needs are evolving, and so must our responses to ensure they receive the assistance necessary for long-term recovery.
By Wida Arzow Azizi | Development Coordinator, Concern Worldwide US
By Wida Arzow Azizi | Development Coordinator, Concern Worldwide US
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