Earthquake in Turkey and Syria, the International Red Cross initiative

By Cristiano Antonino Last updated Feb 7, 2023

IFRC launches international Emergency Appeals for CHF 70 million to respond to deadly earthquake in Türkiye and Syria

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is launching Emergency Appeals for CHF 70 million to respond to a deadly 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Türkiye and Syria

The Turkish Red Crescent and Syrian Arab Red Crescent have immediately mobilized to support communities affected: needs are growing minute by minute.

Rescue teams have been reaching hardest-hit areas where survivors remain trapped under rubble.

In Türkiye, teams from the Turkish Red Crescent deployed in ten affected provinces in the south and southeast regions with stocks of food and basic aid items such as tents and blankets to support those injured and evacuated.

Their teams are also providing psychological support, distributing hot meals and sending its national stock of blood and plasma to the affected regions.

In Syria, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent has been responding on the ground since early morning, supporting search and rescue operations, providing first aid, performing emergency medical evacuations and transporting injured people to the hospitals.

A big number of buildings collapsed amidst vulnerable living situations and very harsh weather conditions.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE MANY ACTIVITIES OF THE ITALIAN RED CROSS? VISIT THE BOOTH IN EMERGENCY EXPO

Xavier Castellanos, General Secretary of the IFRC, on the earthquake in Syria and Turkey

“This earthquake caused unfathomable damage. Our worst fear is coming true. In this response, every minute counts,” said Xavier Castellanos, IFRC Under Secretary General for National Society Development and Operations Coordination.

“The vulnerabilities are coupled on top of harsh winter conditions, making it unbearable for many.

The vulnerable living conditions, particularly in Syria, are even further stretched in a decade-long war.

People who lost their homes and loved ones need our support. We must join forces and do our best to help.”

Increased global support and solidarity to deliver humanitarian assistance is essential in the weeks and months of recovery ahead. IFRC will launch two International Appeals, CHF 20 million to support people in Syria with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and CHF 50 million in Türkiye with the Turkish Red Crescent.