Irish humanitarians launch emergency appeal to support relief effort in Turkey/Syria

Almost a dozen Irish humanitarian organisations have launched emergency appeals to support people in Turkey and Syria following a devastating earthquake. 

The earthquake hit Southern Turkey and North West Syria yesterday (February 6) with over 5,000 people confirmed dead so far. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is expecting the number of fatalities to increase substantially in the coming days. 

Dóchas, the Irish network for international development and humanitarian organisations, is gravely concerned about those who remain trapped, and whose homes and communities have been destroyed. 

Speaking about the level of devastation and ongoing humanitarian crisis, Dóchas CEO, Jane-Ann McKenna, said, "Temperatures in the region are below zero overnight. People are trapped, and many have been left without shelter, or cut off from basic supplies. 

"Local facilities are overwhelmed, and there is an urgent need for food, water, temporary shelter, clothes, blankets, hygiene and sanitary products, and medical items. It is vital that these supplies are delivered as quickly as possible and to those who need them most.” 

Irish Aid organisations are particularly concerned about the most vulnerable - the elderly, children and people with disabilities - who are facing stormy and snowy weather conditions and cold temperatures. 

Other Irish aid organisations supporting the relief effort include Christian Aid Ireland, Concern Worldwide, Goal, Irish Red Cross, Oxfam Ireland, Trócaire, UNICEF, and World Vision Ireland. 

To find out more about how you can help, click here.