Turkey Disaster Relief

This Mission

On Sunday, February 5, 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey in the Kahramanmaras province about 14 miles east of the city of Nurdagi. As reports of injuries and casualties continue to mount, aftershocks, one registering as high as 7.5, and freezing winter weather are adding to the challenges. International Medical Relief is mobilizing on the ground. We are assembling teams of medical volunteers to deliver assistance to communities that were heavily impacted by the disaster.

Current situation:

• The death toll has soared to tens of thousands in Turkey and northern Syria.
• Aftershocks are creating treacherous conditions for rescuers and survivors.
• Tens of thousands of people have been left homeless and having to survive in the bitter cold.
• Cities in Turkey affected include Gaziantep, Nurdagi, Adana, Sanliurfa, and Iskenderun.
• Local medical officials report that hospitals in impacted areas are overwhelmed by sudden needs and may be short staffed.
• IMR is collecting much needed supplies. Help fund critical medical care, medicines, medical supplies, hygiene kits, water purification kits, and personal protective equipment for distribution. Donate now!
• IMR is establishing locations for First Responders to provide medical care in collaboration with our local partners in Turkey.

We are working with health agencies and local partners to provide the following relief services: acute primary medical and emergency medical services, dental care, mental health and continuing health education.  IMR has been working globally to prevent infectious diseases and will continue this work, as well as Covid-19 protection for those displaced from the current earthquake.

Our teams are required to be adaptable to rapidly changing conditions and have an understanding that rapid response teams require strength and compassionate care and service.  The war in Syria has resulted in devastating humanitarian consequences for the people, including lost livelihoods and limited access to healthcare as they embark on new territory and a new future. These refugees that fled conflict-affected areas have experienced incredible losses on multiple levels, compounding their suffering.