Disaster in Turkey and Syria
The earthquake that struck Turkey, Syria and neighbouring countries caused more than 50 thousand deaths and millions of injuries. Together with our sister organisation, People in Need, we took immediate action to improve the situation. Read how the humanitarian disaster in Turkey and Syria brought people together to help.
IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS CHAOS
For the first few days, unless the streets were covered with rubble, chaos reigned. Movement on the roads was impossible because of the rubble, people trapped in the rubble could hardly get out, traffic was completely blocked and temperatures at night began to approach zero. From the first moments, rescue workers, survivors and staff of local organisations tried to calm the difficult situation. At People in Peril, we responded immediately. Thanks to regular donors, we earmarked the first 10,000 euros from the Friends Club fund for rapid relief.
The Club of Friends of People in Peril is important after humanitarian disasters, when the speed of aid decides people’s lives.
STONE BY STONE
The catastrophe in Turkey and Syria paralysed the countries for several days. A minor calming of the situation was followed by the provision of basic necessities and the delivery of humanitarian aid. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, we donated 50 thousand litres of diesel to local governments. They were used to supply vehicles with heavy equipment to assist in the clearing of large pieces of debris in Syria. In Turkey, we distributed blankets, clothing and financially supported local partners in cooperation with local administrations and NGOs.
HELP THE FOLLOWING DAYS
Makeshift camps were set up at the sites, to which we regularly delivered hot food and hot drinks, distributed humanitarian packages containing tarpaulins to create makeshift shelter or torches, provided generators, tankers of drinking water, as well as mattresses and blankets.
Our team distributed 300 sets of winter clothing to children and adults in two makeshift reception centres in the Syrian cities of Dana and Atareb. We distributed cash to about 1,200 households. Each family received $150 (about €140) to buy basic food and hygiene items. For the most affected, we have provided 1,500 packets of dried food, including food supplements for infants, worth 600 thousand crowns (more than 25 thousand euros). We are starting to distribute hot meals in canteens in the towns of Jendires and Azaz. up to 800 portions a day.
Wail Khazal, head of the People in Need mission for the north-western Syria region, describes the situation on the fifth day after the catastrophe.
The distribution of vital humanitarian aid continued for days afterwards, but was made easier by heavy equipment that cleared several tonnes of debris from the road. People who had lost their roofs slept in cars or makeshift tent cities. For survivors who wanted to help clear smaller debris, we provided a daily paycheck thanks to the Cash for Work program.
SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER THE DISASTER
The earthquake hit more than 148 towns in northwestern Syria. People have lost their homes and are living in tent cities that we have set up. Every day, people here have free access to drinking water or a hot meal. People in Need regularly distributes blankets, hygiene items and clothing in the localities. People have lost everything – the roof over their heads, valuables, often family members – all they have left are memories. The distribution of basic humanitarian aid is the first step towards enabling entire households to get back on their feet.
AND IT’S ALL THANKS TO YOU
The people of Slovakia have once again shown great heart. In the first few days, we collected more than 150 thousand euros to help the victims of the earthquake, and together we raised 400 thousand euros. We greatly appreciate all the support shown by donors, donors and institutions, because it is thanks to you that we have been able to help people who have unexpectedly found themselves in a difficult life situation.
