World Vision provides fuel and heat supplies to affected people after Magnitude 7.8 earthquake strikes Türkiye

A devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Türkiye, near Syria’s border, on 6 February 2023, toppling buildings and killing thousands of people. Tens of thousands more are injured, and many more are still trapped under the rubble. World Vision is working rapidly to assess the needs in the affected areas and distribute fuel and heat supplies to people that are left homeless during the coldest month of the year.

The earthquake’s epicentre was near Gaziantep, where millions of Syrian refugees live. The quake added more misery along the border, an area beset by the decades-long Syria conflict and refugee crisis. According to the UNHCR, Türkiye hosts the largest number of refugees in the world, including 3.5 million Syrians.

“While we were sleeping, the house started shaking. I immediately ran to my children; I did not know which one to carry. I could not reach the door, the distance was very far, and a minute of time was like years of helplessness and fear,” said a World Vision staff member who experienced the quake in northern Syria, “and the fear continues with the aftershocks. Most of the people are on the streets in the snow and rain, with many destroyed buildings, many victims, and many still trapped under the rubble.”

World Vision is assessing the needs and responding in the two countries. The priority will include helping support affected people with access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), health, shelter, and protection. World Vision is also distributing fuel and heat supplies to shelters as cold and sub-zero temperatures are of immediate concern. Initial assessments from our partners showed a critical need for fuel to restore heating and electricity to medical facilities and emergency shelters.

“In the middle of a harsh winter, already incredibly vulnerable children and families have now been shaken to their core by this devastating earthquake. We will do everything we can to help those who were affected,” said Johan Mooij, Response Director for World Vision’s Syria Crisis Response.

In the affected areas, the most needed items are food, clean water, shelters, as well as protection for vulnerable children. World Vision calls on members of the public in Hong Kong to support the affected children and families urgently.

Donations can be made via:

1. Online donation: https://www.worldvision.org.hk/our-work/emergency-relief/turkey-syria-earthquake-response

2. ATM Transfer / Direct Bank-in:

-     Bank of China     012-363-1-017493-6

3. Crossed cheque: payable to “WORLD VISION HONG KONG”

Donors may send their cheques or bank-in slips, with personal details attached, to World Vision Hong Kong, Freepost No. 69. Please mark “Turkey and Syria Earthquake Emergency Response” on the envelope. Donations are tax-deductible with official receipts.

For any enquiries, please contact our Donor Services Department on 2394 2394.


Published on 7 Feb 2023