The scale of the catastrophe is unimaginable

Reports now suggest that nearly 16,000 have been killed, and many thousands more injured. These figures continue to rise. In response the DEC has launched an appeal (more below) as our teams continue to support with search and rescue, providing essential aid and supporting the wounded

On Monday 6 February at 4:17am local time, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey (officially known as Türkiye) near the city of Gaziantep, devastating parts of Türkiye and Syria. It was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks.

Then at 13:24 local time, a second earthquake (M7.5) hit the Elbistan district around 80 miles north of Gaziantep.

 Right now, rescuers are racing to save people in Türkiye and Syria who are trapped beneath the rubble, and get shelter and support to those who have lost their homes or are afraid to return inside.

The Turkish Red Crescent (Kizilay) has launched a crisis response operation and mobilised teams in more than 10 regions across the country, while the Syrian Arab Red Crescent is delivering assistance and support to those in need in the regions of Hama, Aleppo and Lattakia.

 With homes destroyed, power down, and hospitals, bridges and roads damaged, thousands are in urgent need of help.

More than 5,000 Turkish Red Crescent (Kizilay) and Syrian Arab Red Crescent staff and volunteers are working around the clock in unimaginably difficult conditions to help people who have lost everything.