Build Laundry and Shower Facilities in Turkiye

Dear Donors,

This is Dinora a representative of Peace Winds Korea. Hope you are all doing well and everything is fine.

I am here to update you on our relief efforts in Turkiye following the devastating earthquakes that hit the country.
As you may know, early morning of February 21st, the seconds team of Peace Winds from Korea was dispatched to the earthquake site in Turkiye and continued relief activities.

We are pleased to report that Peace Winds Korea signed a MOU(Memorandum of Understanding) with local organizations such as GEA, a volunteer organization established in 1994 specializing in search and rescue.

GEA is a member of INSARAG, a UN-affiliated organization that coordinates and controls search and rescue activities of rescue teams in each country in the event of an overseas disaster. With over 6,580 volunteers and 458 trained relief experts ready to go to the scene, GEA is well-equipped to provide much-needed assistance to the affected areas. A total of 112 people can be dispatched to overseas emergency relief sites, and we are proud to be working with such a capable partner.

Our team on the ground has reported positive experiences with the Turkiye people, who have been brighter and calmer than expected despite the difficult national situation. The sense of community and connection among the people has been heartening.

Thanks to our agreement with GEA, we were able to provide $10,000 in advance and materials worth about 10 million won to the Antakya area, where supplies are currently being distributed. Our relief efforts have been crucial in helping those affected by the earthquakes, as many people have lost their homes and are struggling to find shelter and basic necessities.

We have received feedback from some of the individuals we have helped, including Uchar Hatay Local Victims who have expressed concerns about the lack of proper sanitation facilities and the shortage of tents. Ba Beiza Volunteer, who applied to be a volunteer interpreter, expressed their gratitude for being able to send strength in a difficult situation.

“I was at home during the first earthquake, and outside during the aftershock two days ago. There are no proper sanitation facilities, so I have no choice but to go into the house to use the bathroom, but I am afraid that it will collapse again. Temporary shelters (tents) were prepared 16 days after the earthquake, and until then, we stayed outside. There is still a shortage of tents.”

- Local Victim

“As soon as the earthquake struck, I thought I had to go help. I was thinking about how to get to the field, and I saw a notice on the volunteer interpreter posted on the school bulletin board. I applied right away and came to the site (in Istanbul). Thank you for being able to send strength in a difficult situation.”

- Volunteer

According to the Turkish Disaster Management Authority (AFAD), the earthquakes have resulted in approximately 43,000 deaths and 450,000 people displaced across 11 provinces.

We want to thank our donors for their support, which has allowed us to provide critical relief to those affected by this disaster. We will continue to work closely with our partners on the ground to ensure that aid is delivered where it is needed most.

Sincerely,

Dinora (Peace Winds Korea)