One year ago, Turkey and Syria were struck by a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake, which caused thousands of deaths. Your support is still needed.
In Turkey’s south, many people are still living in temporary accommodation as they try to rebuild shattered lives.
Much work still remains to be done in rebuilding and recovering one year on.
Thousands of people were killed after a catastrophic 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southeast Turkey (officially known as Türkiye) and Syria, followed by another large earthquake only hours later.
The time to act is now. The Caritas Network is on the ground supporting communities who have lost everything. Your donation today will help communities affected by the earthquake.
Turkey and Syria were struck by two earthquakes in a matter of hours.
Were affected by the earthquakes
in both Syria and Turkey have lost their lives.
On both sides of the border, buildings collapsed and rescuers had to pull survivors from piles of rubble.
Yet the impact of this natural disaster is only compounding the devastation experienced by Syrians over 12 years of brutal conflict.
The ongoing conflict in Syria has exacted a heavy toll on the country. It has created the largest refugee and displacement crisis of our time, with around 13 million Syrians forced from their homes – more than half of the total population. At least 6.8 million have fled the country, with 6.9 million displaced in Syria.
After extended conflict, the country is in a shambles. Vital infrastructure like hospitals, schools, utilities and water and sanitation systems have been damaged or reduced to rubble. The economy is in tatters, with more than 90 per cent of the population living in poverty.
Syrian children have missed years of schooling and experienced unimaginable violence and brutality. At least 2.4 million children are out of school, which will only make it more challenging to build back when the conflict ends.
Your donation to Caritas Australia can have a profound and lasting impact on those affected by the Turkey, Syria earthquake. By donating, you will help to provide vital emergency aid and essential items needed during a time of crisis.
"Life remains extremely hard, and the future is incredibly uncertain for families... People affected are still in need of our enduring compassion and support."
Turkey hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees, the greatest number of refugees in the world from that conflict. At least half a million refugees live in Gaziantep, where UNHCR runs one of its largest refugee responses.
Communities living in Syria and Turkey need the assistance of international supporters in order for them to recover from the tragic Turkey earthquake and start rebuilding their lives – your simple act of kindness could make all the difference. Click below to contribute to our Turkey Syria earthquake appeal.
The earthquakes in southern Turkey were the deadliest to hit the country in more than 20 years. In 1999, a tremor of similar magnitude to devastated the city of Izmit, killing more than 17,000 people.
The first shock, near the city of Gaziantep, was as powerful as the earthquake in 1939, the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in Turkey. The 1939 earthquake in Turkey killed over 32,000 people and injured more than 100,000.
Caritas Australia is working with the Caritas Confederation on the ground to respond to the devastation caused by the earthquake. The Caritas Network is coordinating with local authorities, to gather information and organise the response.
Your donation today will help provide urgent aid and assistance to vulnerable communities affected by the Turkey Syria earthquake. Your support can provide life-saving essentials, such as food rations, clean water and emergency shelter.
Help raise vital funds to support families affected by the disaster.
Your donation will help provide urgent humanitarian relief to people impacted by the earthquake.
We have prepared a prayer for Syria and Turkey that you can use in your parish and secondary school.
The funds raised through this appeal will be used to provide immediate and longer-term humanitarian assistance to communities affected by the earthquake in Syria and Turkey.
As a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), Caritas Australia is committed and fully adhere to the ACFID Code of Conduct, conducting our work with transparency, accountability and integrity. Find out more about ACFID Code of Conduct for Emergency Appeals.