Middle East

Middle East Earthquake Relief

WCF sponsors food, water, blankets, tents, shelters, mattresses and medical aid to families in the region affected by the February 6, 2023 earthquake.

What We’ll Provide:

  • Relief supplies: food, water, blankets and other necessities

  • Tents, container shelters and mattresses

  • Medical teams

  • Medical supplies

  • Rebuilding/repair of homes

How We Help

In response to this devastating earthquake, we are working with local, on-the-ground partners to send food, water, tents, container shelters, blankets, mattresses, other necessities, cleanup teams and medical teams with medicines to families affected by the devastation.

One local partner has set up a food distribution program that is feeding 5,000 people daily.

We are also working to offer a safe haven and shelter to newly orphaned and homeless children. Our partners will work to reunite orphans with extended families.

Unfortunately, this earthquake has only worsened and compounded the suffering of this region caused by hunger, war, trauma, freezing temperatures and sanctions.

The Background

In the early morning of February 6, when many people were inside homes and sleeping, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake occurred in southern Turkey near the border of Syria. Nine hours later, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake followed. Ongoing war and bombings in the region had compromised many buildings, making them even more vulnerable to collapse.

The latest death toll from the devastating quakes and aftershocks has now exceeded 54,000 in Turkey and Syria combined. More than 115,000 people were injured, at least 2 million are now homeless, living in temporary shelters, and at least 160,000 buildings have been recorded as collapsed or severely damaged.  The estimated amount of debris to be cleared equates to 14,000 soccer fields piled with rubble one meter high.

WCF is procuring basic relief supplies, tents and containers, locally where possible.