More help needed in Türkiye and Syria

National Director Murray Overton thanks all our supporters for your very generous response to the Türkiye Syria Appeal, launched immediately after the magnitude 7.8 quake on February 6 local time.

Donations will fund the ACT Alliance (Action by Churches Together) Appeal for local partners.

In Syria, churches from the Middle East Council of Churches immediately opened their buildings and schools for those seeking shelter and comfort. Members and staff are organising hot food, food and hygiene kits, blankets and clothing. People are continuing to “bring hope to the hearts of sad people who have suffered through wars and disasters.”
“They are really helping us here and provide us with what we need. We thank them for everything and we hope that it will pass well. We need now to feel safe,” said Rosina, a mother sheltering in a church in Aleppo.

One month on the extent of the damage is becoming clearer. For example, in Aleppo the water system is in danger of failing altogether and parts of the sewerage system have collapsed. The political situation has made the humanitarian response challenging especially given aid in the region was already below what was needed. The freezing winter temperatures have also added to the suffering.

According to UNICEF the health situation in Syria was already overstretched because of the 12-year conflict, Covid and an outbreak of cholera. The situation is dire as many people struggle to find water, food, shelter and emergency medical and psychosocial support. Almost three million people have been displaced in Türkiye and 8.8 million affected in Syria where many had sought safety from the conflict in much of the country.

At least six ACT Alliance members were already working with Syrians and Palestinians when the first earthquake struck. ACT Alliance members are also working in Türkiye, host to 3.6 million Syrians and Palestinians, the largest refugee population in the world.

The Arab Protestant Church in Aleppo is sheltering around 1,200 people in its schools and buildings, providing them with bedding, meals, hygiene items and basic medical care including psychosocial support with support from ACT Alliance. The next stage is to provide cash assistance and repair bakeries and other infrastructure. Bread is in short supply and the prices have risen because of the shortage and spike in wheat prices.

“Thank you to everyone who has responded so quickly to our appeal. It was such a relief to be able to assist other earthquake survivors. Through your donations people have hope. Please remember them in your prayers and in your giving,” says Murray Overton, National Director.

Donations to the Turkey Syria Earthquake Appeal can be made online at cws.org.nz or by phone at 0800 74 73 72.

February 7, 2023

 

Thanks to the Middle East Council of Churches for images.