Six months after the tragic earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on the night of February 5-6, the people are still in dire need. Caritas Confederation continues to assist the two local Caritas in the response.
In Turkey, the earthquake toll was more than 50,000 casualties, 3 million people displaced and 9 million affected, and despite the severe damage to the offices of Caritas Anatolia, Caritas Turkey immediately ensured its support to the people. During these six months, assistance was provided to nearly 15 thousand beneficiaries, including six thousand children. The aid included distributing more than 26 thousand meals and more than 5 thousand food parcels, including those specifically for children. The generosity of benefactors and the support, including on the ground, of 34 member organizations of Caritas Internationalis allowed Caritas Turkey to extend its response to more beneficiaries.
“Caritas has distinguished itself by helping people, regardless of religion or political affiliation, working together with others for the common good, in the certainty that the Spirit of God animates anyone sensitive to the needs of the poor,” says Caritas Turkey president and vicar apostolic of Anatolia, Bishop Paolo Bizzeti.
Bishop Paolo Bizzeti, president of Caritas Turkey and vicar apostolic of Anatolia.
The Ankara government is relocating people in temporary shelters, such as tents or containers, to formal camps to facilitate humanitarian assistance. It is estimated that more than 90 per cent of those displaced by the earthquake are in temporary shelters. “Challenges and needs are enormous and will require years of commitment from all organizations on the ground,” continues Bishop Bizzeti, “It is urgent to be able to build houses which meet certain requirements because we are in lands with a high risk of earthquakes. In addition to housing, there is also a great need for jobs and education.”
The situation in Syria is not any better, as the earthquake hit an area already in severe humanitarian conditions generated by a conflict that has lasted more than 12 years. The cities of Aleppo, Latakia and Hama are the centres most affected. Since the first hours after the earthquake, Caritas Syria has supported its local offices in distributing food, drinking water, hygiene kits, blankets and other basic necessities. Just a month later, Caritas Syria launched an annual aid plan that, until March 31, 2024, will ensure assistance to more than 11,000 vulnerable people.
“Thanks to the support of the Caritas Confederation, we will be able to contribute to the reopening of schools and enable thousands of families who are homeless to meet rent costs and cope with other needs,” says Riad Sargi, executive director of Caritas Syria. Thousands of residents in the area still cannot return to their homes, which suffered severe structural damage due to the earthquake. Sargi also stressed the complicated situation due to the economic sanctions imposed on Syria and the constant devaluation of the local currency. “On this recurrence, I would like to thank those who have supported us first. Your solidarity allows us to continue our mission here in Syria,” he adds.
Riad Sargi, executive director of Caritas Syria.
On the occasion of the first six months since the earthquake, Caritas Internationalis Secretary General Alistair Dutton wanted to express his closeness to the affected populations and ensure the Confederation’s continued support. “The whole Confederation, particularly Caritas Syria and Caritas Turkey, are working so hard to serve their people. We will be there trying to help as best we can as they cope with the circumstances they’re now in and start to rebuild their lives.”