One year after the devastating earthquakes that struck southern Turkey and northern Syria, 800,000 people in Turkey continue to face major challenges while living in temporary settlements, without access to fundamental necessities such as clean water, sanitation, nutrition, and vital health services. Action Against Hunger has been at the frontlines of the humanitarian response, providing aid to over 400,000 people across both countries throughout the past year.
“Over the past year our teams, with the support of its partners, have worked tirelessly to support the victims of the catastrophic earthquakes, but recovery is not yet complete. We continue to work on the rehabilitation of sanitation and water systems; we provide nutritional support and guidance, as well as support to the most vulnerable families for the purchase of nutritious food, shelter and hygiene materials and psychosocial care”, explains Daniel Martin Santos, Action Against Hunger’s Country Director for Turkey.
The earthquakes had devastating consequences in both countries, with nearly 60,000 people killed and more than 100,000 injured. In Turkey, the destruction of nearly 300,000 buildings displaced more than three million people from their homes. One year later, approximately 800,000 people continue to live in temporary settlements, facing the additional challenge of coping with a second winter without a home. Among those affected, more than 100,000 women have given birth and are now raising their children amid uncertainty and lack of basic provisions.
In Syria, where over 15 million people were already in need of humanitarian assistance before the earthquakes due to conflict, economic crises, and epidemic outbreaks, the situation remains dire. In northern Syria, in particular, the earthquakes have exacerbated the destruction of homes and public services. Despite challenges, efforts to restore normalcy, such as the evacuation and restoration of schools used as collective shelters, have been underway. However, uncertainties loom, especially for those who have lost their livelihoods and are still grappling with the trauma of the catastrophe.
“In Turkey, Action Against Hunger is focusing on addressing the needs of 800,000 people who are still living in tents and containers, and the most of the vulnerable groups within this population such as women, children and the elderly,” says Daniel Martin.
Over the past year, more than 400,000 people have received humanitarian aid from Action Against Hunger in Turkey and Syria. Around 152,000 people have received water, sanitation and hygiene assistance, while over 175,000 people have used our health and nutrition services and a further 62,400 people have been given food security and livelihood support.
LAMA’S STORY
Lama, a 49-year-old school teach from Aleppo, was forced to flee her home with her family during the civil war. They repaired the damaged house as best as they could on their return, but the house was then destroyed in the earthquake. Following the earthquake until the end of 2023, Lama and her four children stayed in a school converted into an Action Against Hunger-supported shelter.
“It was a bad situation, we were 210 families with only 5 toilets, no showers and no electricity. Then, Action Against Hunger installed new toilets, new water taps and showers. They increased the number of sanitary facilities until there were enough for everyone. They also installed solar panels, which means we now have light and hot water. Life has become somewhat normal again, as if we were in our homes,” says Lama.