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[title]What is happening in Türkiye and Syria?
On the morning of February 6, 2023, a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the border of Türkiye and northern Syria. For context, it's the fifth highest magnitude earthquake experienced in the 21st century, surpassed only by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami (9.1-9.3), the 2011 Tōhoku, Japan earthquake and tsunami (9.1), the 2005 Nias-Simeulue earthquake in Indonesia (8.6) and the 2008 Sichuan earthquake (7.9).
What are the recorded damages and casualties in Türkiye and Syria?
Rescue efforts are still underway, so the exact scale of injury, death and displacements remains to be seen, but as of February 8, The Guardian reports a total of 7,826 fatalities have been recorded (5,894 in Türkiye and 1,932 in Syria). According to the World Health Organisation, the expected death toll will be upwards of 20,000.
The Turkish government has reported that nearly 3,500 buildings have collapsed, including many multi-storey buildings that have 'pancaked' into the roads. While the scale of the earthquake largely contributed to this destruction, many buildings were not built to withstand earthquakes and these grave events have opened up discussions on ensuring future buildings are better equipped.
How can I help earthquake victims in Türkiye and Syria?
At this stage, one of the most powerful ways to assist victims is by donating to a global relief organisation that is supporting work on the ground. Below, we've rounded up charities and appeals and how you can donate to them.
Union of Medical Care and Relief Organisations (UOSSM) has released a statement saying its hospitals and medical facilities are overwhelmed and in need of support. The organisation has been providing medical relief to victims of war in Syria since 2012. Donate to UOSSM here.
Oxfam has launched an appeal to support the charity’s emergency response on the ground. Donate here.
Turkish Red Crescent has teamed up with Syrian Arab Red Crescent to provide relief on the ground. Donate here.
Action for Humanity, the parent charity of Syria Relief, has launched an appeal to support their teams on the ground. Donate here.
Islamic Relief has launched an appeal to support their teams on the ground, who are providing food and shelter in Türkiye and medical assistance and supplies in Syria. Donate here.
Doctors Without Borders are supporting hospitals in northwest Syria and need your support. Donate here.
Human Appeal has launched an appeal to support local teams on the ground. Donate here.
People in Need has also launched an appeal to support its team on the ground. Donate here.
Aside from donating, how can I support Türkiye and Syria?
As Australia saw with the devastating bushfires of 2019 and 2020, one of the most powerful ways to help after the fact is via tourism and the resulting local cash flow. Over the next few years, plan a visit to these regions, spend a bit of cash and aid the area's longer-term recovery.
If you're keen to help on a local level, Melbourne's Turkish and Syrian communities are mourning their homes and loved ones, and many of them own and operate restaurants, bars and cafés in our city. We've rounded up some of them here – over the coming weeks, keep an eye on their socials for fundraisers and other opportunities to donate and lend a hand.
Are any local fundraisers taking place?
From February 7 to 12.30pm on Feb 11, Tulum is hosting an Instagram charity auction to raise funds for earthquake victims. Bid on an exclusive gastronomic experience that includes a six course sharing menu for two, Australia's most expensive kebab and a signed copy of the Tulum cookbook. Learn more here.