Turkey and Syria earthquakes: Resources to help now as death toll reaches over 2,600

More than 2,600 people have died, and thousands more injured after a massive earthquake rocked Turkey and Syria Monday morning. The magnitude 7.8 quake was one of the strongest to strike the area in more than a century. Amid severe aftershocks, Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD) called for international help.

Recovery efforts are now underway, as several countries and organisations have begun reaching out to provide assistance. According to Reuters, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan announced that 45 countries have already offered help with rescue and recovery. But there are ways for individual citizens to contribute as well. Below is a list of reputable organisations where you can contribute to the cause.

Turkish Red Crescent

Turkish Red Crescent is the largest humanitarian organisation across Turkey and is a branch of the international Red Crescent and Red Cross organisation. They have mobile kitchens, tents, and blankets ready for affected people in the region. Support their efforts here.

Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations

The Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations (UOSSM) has been providing relief and medical care to locals affected by the Syrian War since 2012. They have publicly announced a need for humanitarian aid as they undergo rescue operations. You can donate to their operations on their website here.

The International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation

The IBC has released a public appeal for emergency assistance in the wake of the earthquakes. Efforts are being made to rescue tens of thousands of people who are trapped under rubble and collapsed structures. Donation information can be found here and on their website.

Choose Love

Choose love is calling for donations for a number of essential items for those affected by the earthquakes. There is an urgent need to fund search and rescue teams, tents, blankets, heaters, food, water, medical supplies, and much more to keep people alive. Please donate to their emergency fundraiser to help save as many lives as possible.

Mangal II

If you’re located in London, you can help aid those in Turkey by purchasing the Turkish restaurant’s freshly bottled chilli sauce, with all profits donated to the Turkish Red Crescent charity. The sauce is available from now until February, and you can find more information on the restaurant and its efforts here.