How to Help the Victims of the Turkey-Syria Earthquake
Early Monday morning, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria. Millions of people across the two countries—as well as in Lebanon, Cyprus, and Israel—felt the impact of the quake, and dozens of aftershocks have occurred since, including another 7.5-magnitude earthquake in southeastern Turkey on Monday afternoon. So far, more than 1,800 people are confirmed to have died and more than 7,600 people have been injured, per the Washington Post.
According to the BBC, the earthquake happened in a region of instability called the East Anatolian fault. A fault is a crack in the Earth’s crust that can move over time, causing earthquakes. Back in 1882, a 7.4-magnitude quake on the fault caused immense damage to towns in the area and claimed the lives of at least 7,000 people. Per the BBC, Damaging aftershocks continued for nearly a year after the earthquake, too.
As for Monday morning’s earthquake, a rescue operation is currently underway across much of southern Turkey and northern Syria. As the recovery efforts continue, here’s how you can help support the victims of this disaster.
Donate to the Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations.
The Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations—which has provided relief and medical care to victims of war in Syria since 2012—has put out an urgent call to the international community to release emergency funds to provide aid and rescue resources immediately. In a statement, the UOSSM said its hospitals and medical facilities are overwhelmed and will need support to ensure lives are saved during this crisis.
Donate to the International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation.
The International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation has offices across the affected region and is currently assisting local authorities in their efforts, per the Seattle Times.
In a public appeal, the IBC stated that its “urgent needs” include tents, heaters for tents, blankets, thermal clothes, ready-to-eat food, and basic first aid kits.
For more information on the IBC’s work and how to donate, head to the IBC website.
Share information from reputable sources.
During a disaster like this, misinformation can spread quickly, especially on social media, so make sure you’re getting your information from reputable sources. Although social media can play a great part when it comes to raising awareness, it’s vital to fact check what you’ve seen online, particularly if you’re considering donating money and want to ensure your funds are going to the right place.
Jade Biggs (she/her) is Cosmopolitan UK’s Features Writer, covering everything from breaking news and latest royal gossip, to the health and fitness trends taking over your TikTok feed. She also works on first-person features and investigative long-reads, taking a deep-dive into mental health, celebrity culture and women’s rights. Jade has been a journalist and content writer for ten years, and has interviewed leading researchers and doctors, high-profile influencers and fitness experts. She is a cat mum to four fur babies and is obsessed with Drag Race, bottomless brunches and wearing clothes only suitable for Bratz dolls. Follow her on Instagram or Twitter.