Millions of lives have been turned upside down following the deadly earthquake in Syria and Turkey. Find out what we’re doing in response and how people in Scotland can support the relief effort.
Reports from the region are horrific and heart-breaking. An estimated 47,000 people have died. Millions more are homeless. Two weeks after the initial quakes, secondary tremors have caused further buildings to collapse.
As well as the terrible loss of life, huge numbers of people are unable to return to their homes. The area already hosts many thousands of refugees and displaced people whose lives have been torn apart by the war in Syria.
Our thoughts and deep sympathy are with those who have family and loved ones in the region. This includes many people we work with, wider communities in Scotland, and members of our staff and volunteer team.
What we’re doing in response
We are calling for a rapid UK response to allow people with family in the affected area to bring them to safety in the UK.
How you can support the relief effort
The Disasters Emergency Committee is coordinating fundraising for 15 leading Scottish and UK charities, including Islamic Relief, Oxfam and the British Red Cross. You can donate to the Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal here.
East Dunbartonshire Action For Refugees is holding a fundraising coffee morning on Saturday, 25 February. Join them between 10am and 2pm at St Joseph’s Church Hall in Milngavie (opposite the train station).
Al Amal & Friends in Aberdeenshire raised over £2,000 at a recent coffee morning in Inverurie. They are still collecting donations in support of the White Helmets relief efforts in Syria. Support their appeal here.
Journalist, Zozan Yasar, has launched a crowdfunding appeal. She is raising funds to provide survivors in the severely affected Adiyaman and Hatay regions of Turkey with food, water and shelter. Zozan, who is part of our Cross Borders programme for artists and activists, is working closely with local organisations who are delivering direct support to people on the ground. Add your donation to her appeal here.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has launched a Türkiye and Syria Earthquake Appeal to support the many thousands of refugees and internally displaced people affected by the disaster.
The World Care Foundation is working with people in the affected region. They have launched an Earthquake Appeal to provide survivors with emergency food, clothing, shelter and medical care.
Turkish charity, Ahbap, has launched an appeal to support communities that have been affected and is appealing for donations for much-needed emergency aid. You can donate here.
Positive Action in Housing, an anti-racist, homelessness and human rights charity, has also launched an Earthquake Appeal.
Local fundraisers are being organised across Scotland. Please let us know if you have a fundraising event planned, so we can share the details on our social media channels. You can contact us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
