The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is stepping up emergency response efforts to assist victims of the powerful earthquake that struck southern Türkiye (Turkey) and north-west Syria just before sunrise on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023.

According to reports, the 7.8 magnitude earthquake and more than 140 aftershocks devastated the region near Nurdagl and Gaziantep, injuring thousands of people and killing more than 11,000. Authorities claim it was the most powerful earthquake in that region of the world in more than 200 years. The World Health Organization estimates the number of fatalities is expected to reach 20,000 people.

“The ADRA disaster response unit is already on the ground assessing the situation and collaborating with local governments and trusted partners. Rescue and evacuation operations are still ongoing in both Türkiye and Syria, and ADRA's country office in Syria, which has two locations, will be manning the emergency response in the affected region,” says Mario Oliveira, emergency response management director for ADRA International.

“As our emergency assessment progresses and we determine the critical needs of many thousands of reported victims, ADRA will be ready to help by providing aid such as multipurpose cash assistance, essential supplies, food, and shelter.”

More than 5,000 buildings including hospitals were destroyed according to local authorities. The disaster had a significant impact on north-west Syria, where more than 4 million people are currently in need of humanitarian assistance. The vast majority are women and children.

"For over 10 years, ADRA offices have been implementing a variety of humanitarian relief projects, including shelter, health, and education initiatives for refugee families and children in the region. In the aftermath of this massive disaster, ADRA remains committed to assisting vulnerable communities and families in rebuilding their lives. Please keep Syria and Türkiye in your thoughts and prayers," says Kelly Dowling, emergency response manager for ADRA International.

Learn more on the ADRA Canada website. You can also visit ADRA.org to learn more about ADRA's disaster relief efforts in Türkiye, Syria, and other worldwide crises, as well as how you can provide support.