Turkiye Earthquake Response

As we step into the summer months of 2024, we confront the stark reality that the path to recovery remains difficult for those impacted by the earthquakes and 1,600 subsequent aftershocks that struck Türkiye and Syria in February of 2023. One of the most intense seismic shocks ever documented in the region rendered one and a half million people homeless and inflicted profound trauma on millions more. 

The magnitude of the earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks and their profound impact on the lives of individuals in Türkiye and Syria is difficult to comprehend. Historically, communities affected by such catastrophic natural disasters face lengthy journeys towards recovery and return to normalcy. Livelihoods are severely disrupted, economies become fragile, and food insecurity rises, exacerbating vulnerabilities within populations. In Türkiye and Syria, where communities already faced pre-existing vulnerabilities and disadvantages before the sudden earthquake, the challenges to survival and recovery became even more daunting. 

From the onset of the crisis, the people of Türkiye and Syria have shown remarkable resilience as they rebuild their lives. The loss of loved ones, the destruction of their homes, and the psychosocial trauma caused by the earthquakes have created significant uncertainty about the future. Despite this, communities are working tirelessly to restore normality and support each other as they recover from the unprecedented and calamitous natural disasters. Concern Worldwide works closely with other organizations and local partners to address the growing needs of affected communities. Our global disaster team, including specialists in logistics, water and sanitation, shelter, and protection, quickly mobilized to tailor our humanitarian response to meet these needs effectively. 

Our teams quickly kicked into gear to set up tents, install latrines, construct clean water systems, distribute food, household essentials, and hygiene supplies, establish psychosocial services, and provide cash assistance to families who suddenly lost everything. Working closely with our partners, we are enhancing our efforts to provide extended support for recovery. We are steadfast in our commitment to addressing the evolving needs of communities affected by adapting our response accordingly. In Türkiye, our dedicated team has made a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of people through their unwavering dedication and efforts, and we continue to ramp up our efforts.  
 
The poignant accounts of survivors depict a challenging reality yet hope endures. The extensive journey of rebuilding and recuperating from the widespread devastation caused by these natural disasters will extend over many years, yet the communities of Türkiye and Syria exhibit remarkable resilience and determination. Even as this story departs from the global spotlight, our work persists, and remains far from complete.