Turkey Earthquake
Turkey and Syria have been struck by a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake, which has caused thousands of deaths. Your support is needed now.
Turkey
In Turkey’s south, poor internet connectivity and damaged roads have hindered efforts to assess the damage and respond in the worst-hit areas.
Syria
Buildings have collapsed and rescue efforts are underway in the freezing rain to recover survivors from piles of rubble.
What's happening in Syria and Turkey
Thousands of people have been killed after a catastrophic 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southeast Turkey (officially known as Türkiye) and Syria, followed by another large earthquake only hours later.
- Thousands of deaths have been reported in Turkey and Syria, and the death toll is increasing by the hour.
- Freezing winter weather is only adding to the devastation, as the thousands left injured, trapped or homeless are stuck in bitter cold and freezing rain.
- The quakes caused devastation in rebel-held northwest Syria, where entire buildings collapsed, leaving people trapped under the rubble.
The time to act is now. The Caritas Network is on the ground as they assess the scale of the damage and critical needs. Your donation today will help communities affected by the earthquake.
7.8 magnitude
Turkey and Syria were struck by two earthquakes in a matter of hours.
Freezing Weather
Subzero winter weather is adding to the devastation
Over 50,000 people
in both Syria and Turkey have lost their lives.
Donate now
With your support, we can provide our partners in times of crisis with:
FOOD AND CLEAN WATER
MEDICATION AND HEALTH SERVICES
EMERGENCY SHELTER
What is the impact of the earthquake in Syria?
On both sides of the border, buildings have collapsed and rescue efforts are underway in the freezing rain to recover survivors from piles of rubble.
Yet the impact of this natural disaster is only compounding the devastation experienced by Syrians over 12 years of brutal conflict.
The ongoing conflict in Syria has exacted a heavy toll on the country. It has created the largest refugee and displacement crisis of our time, with around 13 million Syrians forced from their homes – more than half of the total population. At least 6.8 million have fled the country, with 6.9 million displaced in Syria.
After extended conflict, the country is in a shambles. Vital infrastructure like hospitals, schools, utilities and water and sanitation systems have been damaged or reduced to rubble. The economy is in tatters, with more than 90 per cent of the population living in poverty.
Syrian children have missed years of schooling and experienced unimaginable violence and brutality. At least 2.4 million children are out of school, which will only make it more challenging to build back when the conflict ends.
Your donation to Caritas Australia can have a profound and lasting impact on those affected by the Turkey, Syria earthquake. By donating, you will help to provide vital emergency aid and essential items needed during a time of crisis.
“There are hundreds of thousands of people in survival mode right now. We’re hearing stories of people who are too scared to stay in their houses because they keep collapsing. They’re just trying to get anything they can to survive in the freezing nights – blankets, hot meals and clean water."
What is the impact of the earthquake in Turkey?
Turkey hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees, the greatest number of refugees in the world from that conflict. At least half a million refugees live in Gaziantep, where UNHCR runs one of its largest refugee responses.
The freezing winter weather will have serious consequences for those left trapped in the rubble or homeless from the quake as they face bitterly cold temperatures and wait for rescue efforts to reach them.
Communities living in Syria and Turkey need the assistance of international supporters in order for them to recover from the tragic Turkey earthquake and start rebuilding their lives – your simple act of kindness could make all the difference. Click below to contribute to our Turkey Syria earthquake appeal.
When was the worst earthquake in Turkey?
The earthquakes in southern Turkey were the deadliest to hit the country in more than 20 years. In 1999, a tremor of similar magnitude to devastated the city of Izmit, killing more than 17,000 people.
The first shock, near the city of Gaziantep, was as powerful as the earthquake in 1939, the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in Turkey. The 1939 earthquake in Turkey killed over 32,000 people and injured more than 100,000.
How can I help survivors of the earthquake in Syria and Turkey?
Caritas Australia is working with the Caritas Confederation on the ground to respond to the devastation caused by the earthquake. The Caritas Network is coordinating with local authorities, to gather information and organise the response.
Your donation today will help provide urgent aid and assistance to vulnerable communities affected by the Turkey Syria earthquake. Your support can provide life-saving essentials, such as food rations, clean water and emergency shelter.
Donate today
How can I help the people of Syria and Turkey?
Start a Fundraiser
Help raise vital funds to support families affected by the disaster.
Donate to support relief efforts on the ground
Your donation will help provide urgent humanitarian relief to people impacted by the earthquake.
Pray for Turkey and Syria
We have prepared a prayer for Syria and Turkey that you can use in your parish and secondary school.
Where does my donation go?
The funds raised through this appeal will be used to provide immediate and longer-term humanitarian assistance to communities affected by the earthquake in Syria and Turkey. If any funds remain after the crisis, or if there are changes in circumstances beyond our control which limit our ability to use the funds, they are kept in the Middle East Regional Appeal so that we can respond to ongoing development needs.