In February, a series of earthquakes, the most powerful 7.8 magnitude, hit Turkiye (also known as Turkey) near the border of Syria. Tens of thousands of people were killed, sending shockwaves across northern Syria and parts of Lebanon. Syria's health system is already strained beyond capacity due to conflict and a cholera outbreak. Our teams are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of those affected.
The region was already reeling from nearly 12 years of war in Syria, leading to one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Two million people lacked adequate housing during the harsh winter, and a decimated health system was grappling with a recent cholera outbreak. In Turkey, which currently hosts over 3.6 million registered Syrian refugees, the natural gas supply has been severely affected, and many lack access to safe drinking water.
These earthquakes have increased the quantity and severity of already dire needs on the ground. Your gift allows us to deliver comprehensive help to people affected by humanitarian crises and will be used where and when most needed. When combined with those of other donors, your gift becomes a powerful means to support our vital work, including education, health care, emergency support, and job training for families in crisis worldwide.
These earthquakes are yet another devastating blow to so many vulnerable populations already struggling after years of conflict. The IRC has worked in Syria since 2012. Through programs coordinated by our teams based in Iraq, Jordan and Syria, the IRC provides emergency and long-term services related to economic recovery, housing, early childhood development, protection for survivors of violence (particularly women and children), primary, reproductive and mental healthcare, hygiene, and more.
