Türkiye and Syria hit by catastrophic earthquake

• World Vision on the ground assessing the scale of damage and preparing their emergency response  

• World Vision deeply concerned for children and communities in quake aftermath  

Update (as of 23:00 local time): The number of casualties in Turkiye has risen to more than 1,762 and the number of deaths in Syria is now believed to be closer to 900 according to official sources.

AMMAN Feb 6, 2023 – World Vision is working rapidly to assess potential impacts to already displaced children and communities in the wake of a 7.8 magnitude earthquake which struck in the early hours of Monday morning, sending tremors across the region. The earthquake hit a wide area in south-eastern Türkiye and Northern Syria, killing more than 2,700 people and trapping many others. Reports of new deaths and injuries are being confirmed on the hour.  

"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, 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" confirmed a World Vision staff member in Northern Syria. 

“In the middle of a harsh winter, already incredibly vulnerable children and families have now been shaken to their core by this devastating earthquake, which is likely to affect thousands in Northern Syria and southern Türkiye. I am devastated by this sad news, and we will do everything we can to help those who were affected. As well as rapidly assessing how we can support the relief effort, we are also confirming the wellbeing of our staff in Türkiye and Syria – all of whom are safe. It is a reminder of how challenging these situations can be for all involved,” commented Johan Mooij, Response Director for World Vision’s Syria Crisis Response. 

ENDS

For more information please contact:  Hamzah Barhameyeh, World Vision Syria Response Public Engagement and Communications Manager, Email: hamzah_barhameyeh@wvi.org