The death toll from the two earthquakes of magnitude 7.8 and 7.5 respectively that struck southeastern Turkey and northwestern Syria on Monday continues to rise to more than 11 000. More than 53 000 people have been injured in both countries. Partner NGO's have travelled to the field to save people trapped under the rubble.
Beyond 72 hours after the earthquakes, the chances of finding people alive are considerably reduced, even more so given the low temperatures during the night. For this reason it is important to act swiftly. Thousands of people are in need of shelter, food, water and basic necessities. Cities such as Gaziantep, the capital of one of the two worst-affected provinces, are home to a large part of Syrian refugees.
A team has departed for the epicentre of the tragedy. It is equipped with medical staff and autonomy to move as quickly and efficiently as possible. Each donation will be used to support emergency response and recovery efforts. Alongside with the rescue of the people under the rubble, survivor's immediate needs such as shelter, clean water, food and medicine will be met.
The initial response will also have an impact on the future of these families as after the current emergency subsides, new issues will arise, having to live with the loss of significant landmarks. People have lost their homes and family members and we will have to continue collaborating together in order to meet their long-term needs.
