A devastating earthquake and aftershocks have killed and injured thousands, and many children are affected
On February 6 a magnitude 7.8 earthquake, followed by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake—believed to be the strongest in the region in over a century—struck southeastern Türkiye and northern Syria. The death toll stands at approximately 45,000 in Türkiye and approximately 6,000 in Syria, according to Reuters. About 108,000 people have been injured and millions have lost their homes. The number of dead and injured is expected to climb.
World Vision is on the ground and currently assessing the situation to determine needs. Distribution of heating and food supplies to shelters is already underway. These supplies include tents, mattresses, tarpaulins, heaters and ready-to-eat food.
World Vision’s immediate areas of response are:
- Gaziantep and Sanliurfa in Türkiye
- Azaz, Afrin and Idlib in Syria
(Photo: World Vision Syria Response)
What has World Vision been doing in the area prior to the earthquake?
World Vision Syria Response has been operating since 2011 inside Syria, Jordan and Türkiye. Our efforts have been directed toward providing various services to refugees and local communities impacted by the conflict in Syria.
World Vision Canada currently supports over 446,000 people in northwestern Syria with health, water and sanitation, child protection and nutrition programming, via Global Affairs Canada funding. In one of our project areas, access to health services increased from 14.5 per cent to 69.4 per cent, and 77.8 per cent of vulnerable girls and boys improved their well-being after accessing support services and counselling.
How can I help children and families made vulnerable by the current crisis?
- Donate to help provide care and support for children and families now at increased risk of displacement, hunger and illness.
- Pray for the safety of children and families, including those who were already displaced as a result of the conflict in Syria, and now face an added challenge.