Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal

Turkey and Syria earthquake: how to help

Every minute counts in the desperate race to help people affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. And now another earthquake of 6.4 magnitude has struck Turkey. The church is rising up to respond – and you can make a difference right now.

More than 35,000 people have lost their lives. Whole towns have been flattened. Tens of thousands of people whose homes have been destroyed are now at the mercy of a freezing winter.

As part of the Disasters Emergency Committee – a group of humanitarian agencies – Tearfund has launched an emergency appeal. Our church partner in Syria is providing vital supplies such as warm clothing, nourishing food and hygiene essentials. But the need is vast – your support will make a crucial difference.

Churches open their doors to people affected by crisis upon crisis

‘In Aleppo, hospitals and medical centres had been destroyed during the war and haven’t been rebuilt yet,’ explains Martin Leach, who leads Tearfund’s work in the region. 

‘People were already extremely vulnerable, so this earthquake is a crisis on top of a crisis. It is yet another layer of devastation that adds to the poverty and vulnerability experienced by ordinary Syrians.

‘The needs of those affected by the earthquake are for shelter, warmth, clothes, food, health and in the longer term rebuilding. The Syrian Orthodox Church in Aleppo have opened their doors so that people who have lost their homes can come and have somewhere to be safe, be warm and get a hot meal and something to drink.’

Tearfund does not work in Turkey, but we are committed in prayer to everyone affected by the earthquake. By supporting our appeal, you will be showing people across the whole region that they are not alone.

If enough money is raised to respond to those affected by the earthquake in Syria, support may also be provided to people in the greatest need across the wider region.

Thank you.