Mar 2023-Feb 2024

Supporting Türkiye After the Earthquake

2021-2024

INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE

The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC works in more than 50 countries and in 28 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities. Since 2021 we’ve regularly funded IRC’s efforts to resettle thousands of Afghans in the US and to assist vulnerable populations affected by floods in Pakistan (2022) and eastern Libya (2023). We are currently contributing to IRC’s emergency response operations in Türkiye.

www.rescue.org

CHALLENGE

Powerful earthquakes hit the south of Türkiye and north-west Syria in February 2023, resulting in over 50,000 deaths and many more injuries, as well as massive damage to infrastructure, including hospitals and clinics. An estimated 3 million people have been displaced in Türkiye alone, especially from the southern provinces which suffered the heaviest damage. These regions have some of the highest poverty rates in the country and host more than 1.7 million Syrian refugees.

ACTION

The IRC has focused its response in Turkey, partnering with local actors and prioritising health interventions, including physiotherapy and psychosocial support, in addition to distributing value vouchers to help families affected by the earthquake cover some of their basic needs.

Recognising that “survival is success in the wake of an earthquake, but represents no vision for the future”, the IRC will support recovery and rehabilitation efforts in the coming months, including cash distribution, livelihood support, and protection services. The IRC and its partners will also continue monitoring and responding to potential gaps in the health needs.