IMR's Response to the
Turkey-Syria Earthquake

IMR began sending disaster relief teams to southern Turkey immediately in response to the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Sunday, February 5, 2023. 

After the earthquake, tens of thousands of people lost their lives and tens of thousands more were injured. Hospitals and clinics were permanently damaged or destroyed, and residents of communities hardest hit remain unable to enter many of those buildings to access their regular care.

IMR became the exclusive NGO overseeing a large hospital in the central region of the disaster where 80% of the buildings were destroyed. Hospital leadership and the provincial governor delegated IMR the authority of overseeing relief operations, and a housing compound was established for volunteers.

After rescue and relief efforts concluded, IMR provided assistance in the next phase of recovery. IMR managed the medical care of multiple communities as they navigated through their time of need. IMR volunteers helped residents navigate community health, referrals, and connections within the local Turkish medical system.

The Turkish agricultural system depends on migrant workers that come in for the harvest. These workers who were unable to access care in traditional settings were also being treated in full comprehensive medical and dental clinics hosted by IMR in the Cappadocia region of the country. These clinics provided triage, head-to-toe physical examinations, well checks, laboratory services, diagnoses, and a full pharmacy.

In addition, they provided sustainable education, training, and certification on various health topics to elevate the level of care provided in the field, not only when IMR teams were there, but with local staff and medical professionals long term.