A devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the Turkish province of Kahramanmaras and the surrounding region, at 4:17 a.m. local time on Monday, February 6, 2023, followed by a 7.5 magnitude aftershock nine hours later. Many thousands of people have been killed or injured and the death toll is rapidly rising as the aftermath of this tragic event is still being assessed while search and rescue efforts continue.  

Survivors, many of whom are young children, have been forced to flee their homes and are now facing freezing temperatures. Infrastructure is heavily damaged, and we know that means people will struggle to find safe shelter, water and food. 

We extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to all who have lost loved ones or have been affected by the earthquake. 

The Turkish government issued a level-4 alarm, which includes an international call for help, and declared a three-month state of emergency in the 10 provinces hardest hit by the earthquake. 

We are launching a fundraiser for Turkey Mozaik Foundation’s emergency earthquake relief fund to support civil society organisations working on the ground to provide immediate relief and help with medium to long term recovery of the survivors of the earthquake.  

In the first instance, the Foundation will provide part of the donated funds for the emergency rescue and relief efforts of the following 3 organisations: 

- Needs Map – assessing the needs on the ground through fieldwork in coordination with public institutions, and delivering emergency needs (winter clothes, heaters, blankets, sanitary pads, diapers, clean water, and tents) to the survivors 

- TOKTUT – delivering emergency food packages containing ready-to-eat meals to the survivors in coordination with the relevant public institutions 

- AKUT (Search and Rescue Association) – providing search and rescue efforts in the region affected by the earthquake 

In the upcoming days, the Foundation is planning to start providing funds for the work of additional organisations on the ground and will continue to share updates.  

Thank you in advance for your generous contributions to this campaign. Any donation, big or small, matters right now!