Turkey Search & Rescue, Connectivity & Solar Power

Hope Under the Sun: SmartAID’s Journey in Adana

The sun hung low over the horizon, casting a warm glow on the bustling streets of Adana. But this was no ordinary day. The earth had trembled, and buildings crumbled like fragile sandcastles. The earthquake had left its mark, displacing families, shattering lives, and plunging the city into chaos.

In the heart of this turmoil stood the Technological Coordination Center (TCC), a beacon of hope. SmartAID, with its unwavering commitment to innovation and compassion, had set up this hub to coordinate relief efforts. The TCC was more than just a building; it was a lifeline for the hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs) seeking refuge.

Inside the TCC, screens flickered with real-time data. Satellite phones buzzed, and two-way radios crackled as aid workers relayed information. The TCC was the communication hub, linking local charities, government agencies, and emergency responders. Through the magic of telecommunications hardware, SmartAID wove threads of connection across the city.

Solar panels adorned the TCC’s roof, their silent dance with the sun powering the center. Even when the grid failed, the TCC stood resilient, its lights glowing like stars against the night. The solar-powered infrastructure ensured that aid flowed uninterrupted. Families received food, water, medical supplies, and hygiene kits—small comforts in a world turned upside down.

GIS software hummed quietly in a corner. Maps unfolded, revealing the city’s scars—the broken roads, collapsed bridges, and makeshift camps. The TCC used these maps to chart paths for aid delivery. Volunteers carried solar-powered lanterns, illuminating the way through rubble-strewn streets. Safety was paramount, especially for vulnerable populations. Women and children found solace in the gentle glow of these lanterns.

Donors’ support echoed through the TCC. Their contributions fueled SmartAID’s mission. The TCC wasn’t just about immediate relief; it was about long-term sustainability. SmartAID shared its knowledge, teaching other organizations how to dance with the sun, how to harness telecommunications for good.

And so, the Technological Coordination Center stood—a testament to resilience, compassion, and human ingenuity. As the sun dipped below the horizon, its last rays kissed the solar panels,, “We are still here.” Hope thrived under the sun, and SmartAID’s story unfolded—one lantern, one call, one heartbeat at a time.

SmartAID Turkey team has been collaborating with the regional municipalities of Adana and Hatay, focusing on supporting local social workers in earthquake-affected areas. 

In response to challenges of damaged infrastructure, adverse weather conditions, and the ongoing difficulties faced by tens of thousands of locally displaced families who still live in temporary shelters, the Smart Technological Center, established in partnership with the municipality of Adana, extended its reach. 

Tablets were provided to local social workers operating in the refugee camps across the region, enhancing their efficiency in assisting internally displaced families.

This initiative is part of a broader technological connectivity program designed to empower local social workers by improving their skills, documenting community needs, and addressing the social challenges faced by both internally displaced and host communities. 

Typically engaged in devising systems for effective aid distribution, social workers now utilize the technological hub and the tablets to respond in the camps promptly to immediate needs and coordinate efforts seamlessly with other municipal departments. 

SmartAID’s initiative ensures a more streamlined and interconnected approach to providing aid and support in times of crisis even long after the disaster has been forgotten by the world.