Two devastating, destructive earthquakes have struck Southern Turkey, close to the border with Syria, leaving both countries reeling from the damage and the loss of life. The situation in Turkey and Northern Syria is beyond catastrophic, many neighborhoods are completely leveled. The latest confirmed dead in Turkey and Syria are 2,000+ but the real number is expected to get much higher. Search and rescue is ongoing but impeded by lack of equipment, shortage of diesel fuel, and heavy snow. 

In Northern Syria, where many Syrian refugees are sheltered, in camps and temporary housing, the devastation is widespread. Buildings already damaged by decades of war simply could not withstand the strength of the earthquakes, and it comes at a time when harsh winter weather had been taking a toll for many.

Our team in Syria already started distributing Medical supplies to the hospitals in Darkush and Harem. Worst hit areas in Northern Syria are Harem, Salkeen, Sarmada, Afrin, Dana, and Atareb. Immediate needs are shelter, warming blankets, food, surgical kits, anesthesia medicine, pain killers, dressings, gauze, IV fluid, external fixators. We are also providing fuel to hospitals to assure they can continue their efforts in saving lives.

With rescue efforts hampered by aftershocks and the weather conditions, it’s critical that we act now to help save and protect the thousands of lives that have been affected by this emergency. It’s always the first moments that are the most crucial and they’re counting on support like yours. MedGlobal has also activated its emergency response in Gazentap, Turkey in coordination with AFAD and Turkish Red Crescent and are focused on providing assistance whoever needed.