Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria
Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria
On February 6, 2023, two powerful earthquakes struck southern Türkiye near the border of northwest Syria with devastating impact. More than 55,000 people were killed, more than 100,000 injured and millions displaced. In Syria, where people had already endured 12 years of conflict and displacement, the earthquakes compounded an existing humanitarian crisis.
At least 8.8 million people in that country were affected by the earthquakes, with about 6,000 killed, more than 12,000 injured and more than 100,000 households displaced. Additionally, more than 10,000 buildings in Syria were completely or partially destroyed.
OUR RESPONSE
RESULTS REPORT: Humanitarian response to the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria
In response to the needs of the communities affected by the earthquakes, the Humanitarian Coalition launched a national fundraising appeal from February 6 to February 24, 2023. Together with our members, and thanks to the generous contributions of Canadians from coast to coast to coast, we raised more than $15 million. On February 24, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the Government of Canada would match the donations to the Humanitarian Coalition and its members up to $10 million, bringing our total funds raised to $25 million. All 12 members of the Humanitarian Coalition responded to this crisis.
Using the funds donated, members of the Humanitarian Coalition quickly launched projects to address unmet humanitarian needs in targeted areas. These projects provided vital humanitarian aid including shelter, food, hygiene supplies, winterization items, educational support, and more. More than 1.9 million people affected by the earthquakes benefited from projects across five different governorates in Syria, with 52 per cent of project participants being women and girls and 48 per cent being men and boys. 44 per cent of project participants were children. An additional 55,440 people received support from assistance programs in Türkiye.
Find out more about our members' activities in the report below:
Usama Khan, Executive Director of Islamic Relief Canada, a member of the Humanitarian Coalition, visited Antakya (in Türkiye) a month after devastating earthquakes shook the city. He describes what he has seen during his visit, and highlights how members of the Humanitarian Coalition are responding on the ground.