I am sure that, like me, you have been following with horror the images from Turkey, Syria and the surrounding region, following the two large earthquakes.
Thousands of lives have been lost.
Tens of thousands of families have been left without shelter.
And thousands of buildings have been reduced to rubble at a cost of billions.
Europe was quick to act!
European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, was quick to mobilise rescue and relief efforts via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Within hours, search & rescue teams from many EU countries were already on the ground or making their way to the areas most affected.
The EU's Emergency Response Coordination Centre is in contact with the Turkish authorities, and the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMS) has been activated to support the assessment of the inflicted damage via the provision of emergency mapping.
Would you like to help?
Like me, you are probably asking what you can do to help. We found the following five organisations which are active right now on the ground, providing crucial support to the victims. Please consider donating any amount to their work.
The UN World Food Programme
WFP teams are on the ground ready to work alongside partner agencies.
With your support, they can move fast and deliver life-saving food.
Donate to the UN WFP here.
The International Rescue Committee
Displaced children and their families are in grave danger. No power, no water and inadequate shelter that won’t keep out the cold. Help the IRC send emergency supplies to children and families. All first monthly gifts matched.
Donate to the IRC here.
Turkish Red Crescent
After the earthquake, Turkish Red Crescent started the delivery of aid materials for Kahramanmaraş and all affected regions.
Donate to the TRC here.
The International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation
The IBC has offices across the affected region and is currently assisting local authorities in their rescue efforts.
In a public appeal, the IBC stated that its current "urgent needs" are: tents, heaters, blankets, thermal clothes, ready-to-eat food and basic first aid kits.
To donate, visit the IBC website.
Union of Medical Care and Relief Organisations
The Union of Medical Care and Relief Organisations (UOSSM) has provided relief and medical care to victims of war in Syria since 2012. In a statement, the UOSSM said its hospitals and medical facilities are overwhelmed and will need support to ensure lives are saved during this crisis.
Donate to the UOSSM here.
The most authentic virtue of humanity is caring for one another.
Thank you for considering helping the victims of this unfortunate tragedy,
Ilhan Kyuchyuk
ALDE Party Co-President
