Catholic aid organisations send emergency relief to Turkey, Syria after earthquake

Catholic aid organisations have provided critical aid to help the millions of people in Turkey and Syria affected by massive earthquakes which hit both countries in early February.

On 6 February, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern and central Turkey, and northern and western Syria, causing widespread damage and tens of thousands of fatalities.

More than 53,000 people have died in the disaster, 17 million displaced or homeless and damage has been estimated at well over $US100 billion.

Catholic charities Caritas and Aid to the Church in Need have moved quickly to provide support to the affected regions, supported by donations from across the globe.

Caritas Australia has raised more than $1 million for the Turkey-Syria earthquake appeal, to support the work of local Caritas agencies.

“We are deeply humbled by the generosity of our supporters, both the supporters who have been with us for a long time, and those who have recently joined us after seeing the news about the earthquake. Their extraordinary compassion in the face of the unthinkable trauma experienced in Türkiye and Syria has been incredible,” said Kirsty Robertson, Caritas Australia’s CEO.

“Our supporters bring a light in the darkness to people when it is needed most. In times of catastrophe, our supporters stand by some of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and they send a message of love and compassion through their ongoing support. I am proud of the ongoing generosity of our supporters in these challenging times.”

Caritas is on the ground distributing urgently needed humanitarian aid including food baskets, blankets, mattresses, drinking water and hygiene kits to impacted families.

Several people in Syria have been sheltering in churches and Churchrun schools in Aleppo and Aid to the Church in Need is helping them by paying rent. The charity has just approved a partnership program with the Joint Church Committee of Aleppo, which includes Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant representatives, to provide aid for temporary rentals for around 430 families affected by the earthquake.

The Melkite Archbishop of Homs, Jean-Abdo Arbach, has pleaded with Catholics across the globe to continue to support the recovery effort through prayers and donations.

“Let us hope the earthquake shakes open the hearts of the international communities and of all world leaders, so that they help Syria and do not forget the people who are suffering,” he said.

“The population is still in a state of absolute despair and anguish. There are people wandering through the streets, not knowing where to go, and desperately searching for family and friends. Many people have died or are missing.”