On the 6th of February, southern Turkey and northwest Syria were hit by the most powerful earthquake the region has seen in more than 80 years. Two weeks after the initial 7.8 magnitude earthquake, amid ongoing rescue efforts, a 6.4 magnitude quake hit southern Turkey with 32 subsequent aftershocks, each undermining rescue efforts and extending the trauma of this crisis for survivors. It is predicted that over 20 million people in the region have been affected by the earthquakes.

Since the disaster, over 50,000 people have been killed and 107,000 injured, but the number of true fatalities remains unknown, with people still missing since the quake. Present estimates indicate that at least 2.7 million people, including migrants, have been displaced due to the earthquakes. An estimated 1.6 million reside in informal settlements with very basic living conditions and limited or no access to services. The affected areas were already experiencing harsh weather conditions, with temperatures plummeting below zero around the time of the quakes - exacerbating existing health issues.

More than 10,000 buildings in Syria have been destroyed, including vital infrastructure, such as electricity and water, severely restricting the ability of people to access medical care. Escalating cholera cases in northern Syria, the strained capacity of health workers helping to respond, and the limited number of health facilities functioning with severely stretched stocks of medicines and supplies have resulted in both countries being overwhelmed by the number of injured and casualties.

IHP is asking you to please join us in responding to the needs of people affected by this crisis. Please support IHP by clicking the donate button to give to our disaster relief fund.