Turkey-Syria Earthquake

Many of you will have seen the devastating images and reports of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck central Turkey and the northern and western parts of Syria on 6 February 2023. This was followed by a second major earthquake and several destructive aftershocks.

The number of deaths is now confirmed to be more than 56,000, with the earthquake being the largest to strike Turkey since 1939, and jointly the second-strongest recorded in the country’s history. As a result, widespread damage was caused in both Turkey and Syria, with an estimated 14 million people affected.

In the days that followed, The Salvation Army was approached by many people with overwhelming generosity and desire to help those affected.

Historically, in most emergency situations, The Salvation Army’s response is outworked by its in-country presence, directly working with communities and utilising long-term local and international partnerships. However, as there is no Salvation Army presence in either Turkey or Syria, The Salvation Army looked for an alternative way to respond.

The decision was made to ensure donated funds would be directed through existing, trusted humanitarian partners and networks. This served as an opportunity to support our partners - who have on many occasions supported Salvation Army responses - in the work they have been doing to address the needs in both Turkey and Syria.

These partnerships have allowed for the distribution of food, money, hygiene items and other key necessities to those directly affected.

This different way of working, born out of necessity, has clearly demonstrated the importance of strong partnerships. Whilst we will continue to provide direct support when needed, this experience has highlighted that responding with and through partners is an effective way to ensure the money - so generously donated - can be used quickly, efficiently and as intended.