Turkey Search & Rescue, Connectivity & Solar Power

by smartAID in Hebrew is 'Ezra Chachama Laolam'

Project Report | Mar 19, 2025
Two Years After Turkey's Devastating Earthquake, S

By Shachar Zahavi | Founding Director

Two Years After Turkey’s Devastating Earthquake, SmartAID Continues to Deliver Technological Support

A little over two years ago, on February 6, 2023, a catastrophic earthquake struck southern Turkey and northern Syria, claiming over 59,000 lives. For survivors, the trauma still lingers.

At the Payas Container Refugee Camp in Hatay, Turkey, SmartAID Turkey is working with local municipality officials, leveraging technology to continue to provide vital support to women and children in the camps.

As one of the few international aid groups still active in the region, SmartAID continues to integrate advanced software and smart tablets for local social workers in the camps.

These tablets are connected to the technological coordination hub we established in Adana a month after the earthquake hit Turkey, enabling local government officials to access real-time data, offer mental health support, social services and educational programs tailored to the unique challenges of camp life.

“I am humbled that even two years after the tragic earthquake, we continue to bring hope to the displaced community living in the container camps and to the orphaned children trying to assimilate into everyday life through the education provided by social services.

Most of the hundreds of camps lack IT equipment, and even cell phones are rare. The tablets will provide the displaced and the social workers with platforms to improve their lives, organize their work, and continue their efforts. Many of the internally displaced feel forgotten after more than two years.

They are grateful that SmartAID is still helping them while others have moved on.” says Ece Agusman, Head of SmartAID Turkey.

By bridging the gap between technology and on-the-ground humanitarian aid, we ensure efficient, effective aid reaches those who need it most—long after the headlines fade.

SmartAID remains committed to standing alongside these communities, delivering hope for a better tomorrow.

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Nov 19, 2024
Technological Hub Treat Hundreds of Thousands

By Shachar Zahavi | Founder

SmartAID’s Technological Lifeline: Ongoing Support in Turkey’s Quake Region

On February 6, 2023, a devastating earthquake struck Turkey, claiming over 53,000 lives and leaving more than 3 million people homeless. The Turkish government has called it the "disaster of the century."

In the aftermath, SmartAID’s technological coordination center, based in the Adana Municipal headquarters, in Turkey, has been playing a critical role.

Our center continues to support local municipality officials in their efforts to aid and offer social services to both Adana and Hatay residents affected by this catastrophe.

"If another earthquake happens, our two-story house will likely collapse," one Adana resident explained. "I don't think the columns are strong enough to hold." Another resident, Mr. Erkan, shared, "We have a tent outside the house. When it shakes, we go outside and stay in the tent."

Through SmartAID’s hub, municipality professionals are continuing to deliver concrete results that have made a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by the disaster. This includes providing food, medical care, and social services to the community.

Despite the severe disruption of essential services like water, heating, and electricity, and the increased health needs, particularly in mental health and trauma care, our technological initiatives ensure that grassroots charities and local authorities can continue their crucial work.

Together, our commitment is to leave no one behind during this time of crisis, attending to the needs of the most vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly, regardless of their background.

As we continue our vital work, we are reaching out to our supporters to help us sustain these efforts.

#SmartAID #TurkeyQuake #HumanitarianAid #SupportTurkey #DisasterRelief

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Jul 22, 2024
Tech Coordination Center

By Shachar Zahavi | CEO

Hope Under the Sun: SmartAID’s Journey in Adana

The sun hung low over the horizon, casting a warm glow on the bustling streets of Adana. But this was no ordinary day. The earth had trembled, and buildings crumbled like fragile sandcastles. The earthquake had left its mark, displacing families, shattering lives, and plunging the city into chaos.

In the heart of this turmoil stood the Technological Coordination Center (TCC), a beacon of hope. SmartAID, with its unwavering commitment to innovation and compassion, had set up this hub to coordinate relief efforts. The TCC was more than just a building; it was a lifeline for the hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs) seeking refuge.

Inside the TCC, screens flickered with real-time data. Satellite phones buzzed, and two-way radios crackled as aid workers relayed information. The TCC was the communication hub, linking local charities, government agencies, and emergency responders. Through the magic of telecommunications hardware, SmartAID wove threads of connection across the city.

Solar panels adorned the TCC’s roof, their silent dance with the sun powering the center. Even when the grid failed, the TCC stood resilient, its lights glowing like stars against the night. The solar-powered infrastructure ensured that aid flowed uninterrupted. Families received food, water, medical supplies, and hygiene kits—small comforts in a world turned upside down.

GIS software hummed quietly in a corner. Maps unfolded, revealing the city’s scars—the broken roads, collapsed bridges, and makeshift camps. The TCC used these maps to chart paths for aid delivery. Volunteers carried solar-powered lanterns, illuminating the way through rubble-strewn streets. Safety was paramount, especially for vulnerable populations. Women and children found solace in the gentle glow of these lanterns.

Donors’ support echoed through the TCC. Their contributions fueled SmartAID’s mission. The TCC wasn’t just about immediate relief; it was about long-term sustainability. SmartAID shared its knowledge, teaching other organizations how to dance with the sun, how to harness telecommunications for good.

And so, the Technological Coordination Center stood—a testament to resilience, compassion, and human ingenuity. As the sun dipped below the horizon, its last rays kissed the solar panels,, “We are still here.” Hope thrived under the sun, and SmartAID’s story unfolded—one lantern, one call, one heartbeat at a time.

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