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Events are unfolding rapidly. After the Corona pandemic came the floods in Germany, then the terrible war in Ukraine, and now the large-scale earthquake in Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023.
It was one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded, and by March 1, 2023, it had claimed over 51,000 lives and injured over 111,000 people in both countries. In many communities, people are dependent on our help amidst unusual cold and snow. They have lost loved ones, have no roof over their heads, no food, no electricity, and no heating. Hospitals are overflowing; everywhere there is hardship and despair.
In the earthquake-stricken regions, humanitarian aid such as blankets, warm clothing, food, and heaters is urgently needed. However, the roads are destroyed and in some places impassable. Long traffic jams, crowds of people, chaos, and poor coordination are hindering the delivery of aid.
The children are living alone in a makeshift tent after the earthquake.
On February 19th, the first aid team arrived in Antioch (Antakya), Turkey, with sleeping bags, tents, food parcels, and portable toilets. The aid workers set up tents for the victims, equipped them with heaters and generators, and installed the toilets in the tent settlement. The day after their arrival, the brothers experienced another earthquake. They recount horrific events, immense suffering, and heartbreaking scenes.
First there was a noise, then everything began to shake. They rushed down the stairs to leave the building. There were crashes and tremors everywhere, the lights went out, and no one knew where to flee. Everyone ran from the houses into the street, screaming in fear, still traumatized by the last earthquake. Some were paralyzed with fear and had to be carried.
It was especially bad for the elderly and vulnerable, because in the darkness and widespread panic, people pushed and shoved each other. It was a terrible feeling when the earth shook, nowhere was safe, and there was nothing to hold onto. People had to spend the night outside for fear of aftershocks.
Syrian refugees who have found refuge in Turkey. Their home was destroyed in the earthquake, so they are living in tents.
A second aid team will continue the same work in Turkey from March 8th to March 15th, 2023. Meanwhile, our work in Syria is now possible thanks to our international aid workers from Russia and Armenia. We are planning further aid operations in hard-to-reach regions where otherwise no aid reaches.
Relief supplies such as tents, air mattresses, sleeping bags, underwear, and food are still needed; however, these will be purchased locally – this saves the aid workers time and energy. Please pray for those who have lost or are missing loved ones. You can also actively help by making a donation marked "Earthquake." Only in this way can we continue to help and bring God's love to this hopeless situation. May God reward everyone!
CDH-Stephanus
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