Disaster Response Turkey Project #58567

Turkiye and Syria Earthquake Relief Appeal

by CUSTOMS HEALTH CARE SOCIETY

Project Report | May 16, 2025
Earthquake Relief and Rehabilitation Efforts

By Asif Jah | Project Leader

Dear Esteemed Donors,
Season’s Greetings,

We are honored to share with you the latest developments in the ongoing humanitarian mission led by the Customs Health Care Society (CHCS), following the catastrophic earthquake that struck Türkiye and Syria on February 6, 2023. This devastating natural disaster claimed over 60,000 lives and displaced millions, leaving a trail of destruction that called for an immediate and sustained response.

Swift Emergency Response in 2023

In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, CHCS swiftly mobilized to deliver critical support. Within weeks, a dedicated team from CHCS traveled from Pakistan to the quake-affected zones, particularly focusing on the Adyaman province in Türkiye, where countless families were struggling to survive in makeshift shelters. Our teams distributed emergency relief supplies, including medicines, food, clothing, and hygiene kits, to provide immediate comfort and protection.

During the holy month of Ramadan, CHCS arranged Aftari meals for hundreds of displaced families, ensuring access to nutritious food at a time of both spiritual and physical hardship. These initial efforts were instrumental in offering hope and sustenance to thousands during the most critical moments.

Sustained Support and Recognition

Over the past year, CHCS has maintained a steady flow of aid, regularly shipping life-saving medicines, surgical equipment, clothing, and other essential supplies to Türkiye and Syria. Most recently, CHCS dispatched another consignment of surgical tools and medical supplies to field hospitals established for earthquake survivors, helping address the ongoing healthcare needs in both countries.

In recognition of these efforts, His Excellency Dr. Mehmet Paçac, the Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan, presented a Certificate of Appreciation to CHCS Patron-in-Chief, Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, acknowledging our organization's dedicated service and solidarity during a time of national crisis.

70% Rehabilitation Completed – The Journey Forward

Thanks to the tireless efforts of CHCS and the generous contributions from donors like you, approximately 70% of the rehabilitation work in affected areas has been completed. This includes rebuilding homes, re-establishing healthcare services, and restoring access to clean water and basic infrastructure.

However, much work still remains. Thousands of families continue to live in transitional shelters, and many communities still lack access to proper medical care and essential services.

To address this, CHCS has broadened its mission to include rehabilitation and reconstruction initiatives. Our teams are actively working with local partners and international organizations to rebuild lives, not just meet immediate needs. We are committed to:

Rebuilding homes and shelters with durable, weather-resistant materials.
Equipping and restoring field hospitals and health centers.
Supporting education and livelihoods to help families regain stability.

Working Together for Long-Term Impact

CHCS has carried out these life-saving interventions in collaboration with GlobalGiving Foundation, USA, and through the continued dedication of our donors. Yet, the scale of devastation demands ongoing collective action.

We humbly appeal for your continued support to help complete the remaining 30% of rehabilitation and bring full recovery to the affected areas.

How You Can Help

Your donations will directly support:

Continued medical and surgical aid shipments.
Construction of permanent homes and health facilities.
Provision of food, clothing, and clean water.
Long-term rehabilitation programs, including mental health and community rebuilding.

Conclusion: From Relief to Renewal

CHCS remains steadfast in its mission to support the resilient people of Türkiye and Syria. From the earliest days of rescue and relief to today’s broader efforts in rebuilding and rehabilitation, we are committed to standing by those affected for the long haul.

With your compassion and generosity, we can move beyond relief and into restoration—offering not only survival but the chance for a dignified and hopeful future.

Thank you for being a vital part of this journey. Together, we are making a difference.

Warm regards,
Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah
Customs Health Care Society (CHCS)

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Jan 23, 2025
Earthquake Relief Efforts (Turkiya & Syria)

By Aisf Jah | Project Leader

Oct 1, 2024
Ongoing Humanitarian Efforts for Earthquake

By Asif Mahmood Jah | Project Leader

Subject: Ongoing Humanitarian Efforts for Earthquake-Affected Regions in Turkiye and Syria

Dear Respected Donors,

Season’s Greetings!

We wish to inform you about a critical humanitarian mission that began in response to the catastrophic earthquake that struck Turkiye and Syria on February 6th, 2023. This tragic disaster claimed over 60,000 lives and left countless others displaced, injured, and in dire need of support. The Customs Health Care Society (CHCS), recognizing the gravity of the situation, immediately took action to provide essential relief to the victims of this devastating earthquake.

Immediate Response and Relief Efforts

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, CHCS mobilized a dedicated team to visit the hardest-hit areas in Turkiye and Syria. By late February 2023, our team reached the Adiyaman province in Turkiye, where many families were living in makeshift camps, having lost their homes. Our team provided these families with essential relief items such as food, clothing, and medical supplies to ease their suffering.

The initial relief efforts were just the beginning. CHCS has since organized several shipments of critical supplies, including medicines, surgical equipment, and clothing, to support ongoing recovery efforts. During the Holy month of Ramadan, CHCS ensured that hundreds of families affected by the earthquake received nutritious Aftari meals, bringing some comfort during their time of need.

Recognition and Ongoing Support

The efforts of CHCS have not gone unnoticed. His Excellency Dr. Mehmet Pacaci, the Honorable Ambassador of Turkiye, acknowledged the society's work by presenting a certificate of appreciation to our Patron-in-Chief during his visit to the office of the Federal Tax Ombudsman. This recognition reinforces the value of the work CHCS is doing in these affected regions.

In a recent endeavor, CHCS organized a consignment of surgical equipment to be delivered to field hospitals in both Turkiye and Syria. These hospitals are providing critical medical care to those injured during the earthquake. Our continued efforts are vital to addressing the long-term medical needs of the earthquake survivors, many of whom require specialized treatment.

Collaborations and the Need for Continued Support

To date, CHCS has been funding its relief efforts using its own resources, with additional support from the GlobalGiving Foundation, USA. However, the needs in these earthquake-stricken regions remain vast, and more assistance is required to maintain and expand relief activities. We are calling on donors like you to help sustain these life-saving efforts as the recovery process continues.

Achievements and On-the-Ground Action

A seven-member CHCS team, led by Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, including four medical professionals, made a crucial two-day visit to the earthquake-affected camps in the Adiyaman region. On February 22nd, 2023, the team arrived in Istanbul and organized a 60-foot container loaded with 1,000 ration boxes. These boxes were later distributed to those most in need.

The following day, the team traveled to Adiyaman, where they met with local officials, including the Mayor, to deliver the container and assess the situation. They spent time in camps established by the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), distributing ration boxes, warm clothing, shawls, and even sweets for the children, aiming to bring a sense of comfort and normalcy amid the ongoing hardship.

Beyond simply distributing supplies, CHCS’s presence on the ground was about empathy—sharing in the grief, sorrow, and pain of those who had lost their homes and loved ones. Our work there brought not just material relief but emotional support to the survivors, showing them that they were not alone in their struggle.

In addition, CHCS has sent medical supplies worth two million rupees through the Turkish Consulate General in Lahore. Further supporting these efforts, Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, in his capacity as the Honorable Federal Tax Ombudsman, presented a cheque of one million rupees to the Honorable Ambassador of Turkiye to fund additional relief operations.

Call for Donations

We urgently appeal to our donors from across the globe to support our ongoing relief work in Turkiye and Syria. The aftermath of this disaster continues to affect millions of people, and your generous donations will help CHCS provide essential relief items, medical care, and support to those struggling to rebuild their lives. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference in the recovery and resilience of these communities.

Conclusion

The Customs Health Care Society (CHCS) remains fully committed to helping the people of Turkiye and Syria recover from this devastating earthquake. With your compassion and generosity, we can continue to make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by this tragedy. Together, we can provide hope, comfort, and the support needed to rebuild shattered lives.

Thank you for standing with us in this crucial humanitarian mission.

Warm regards,

Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah

Customs Health Care Society

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