Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal
Over 50,000 people have died in Turkey and Syria, and many more have been injured and displaced, following powerful earthquakes in early February.
ActionAid is responding through our local partner, Violet, in north-west Syria, home to 4.3 million people displaced by war, who were already living through harsh conditions in makeshift camps.
Violet was the first organisation on the scene in some areas, rescuing people from the rubble and providing immediate support.
Urgent needs now include baby milk, food, water, shelter, as well as protection services, emotional support, and safe spaces to prevent violence against women and girls. Please donate now.
Women-led response
Women and girls have particular needs and that is never more apparent than during an emergency. Pregnant women, mothers particularly those who are breastfeeding and menstruating girls all need specific support and provisions. There are more than 130,000 pregnant women in Syria, around 14,800 of whom will deliver in the next month.
The chaotic aftermath of an earthquake poses risks for women and girls, many of whom are living outside and exposed to sexual violence and exploitation.
The protection of women and girls is a priority for ActionAid. Local female staff and volunteers are providing safe spaces for women and girls to shelter and receive emotional support, care for pregnant women and support for those who have lost their loved ones.
Impact on children
Thousands of children have been separated from, or lost, parents and carers. They are particularly vulnerable now.
Violet is providing a safe and caring environment for women and children experiencing shock and trauma.
Children like Sarah, right, who are living in fear following the earthquake, are given emotional support and take part in organised play designed to help relieve trauma, including puppet shows put on by the team.
Commenting on the earthquake, Racha Nasreddine, Regional Director of ActionAid Arab Region said: “It’s tragic to see the numbers of casualties rising as efforts continue to try to recover and save people from the wreckage. Many of these people have been displaced multiple times and now this earthquake has destroyed their lives and livelihoods yet again.”
“ActionAid is working with its partner in the region to urgently assess needs and what support is required. In the first instance we will be working to provide shelter, food and warm clothes. We know women, girls and marginalised communities are always disproportionately impacted by disasters and we will be working to support these vulnerable groups in the aftermath of this earthquake.”
