ADVENTIST DEVELOPMENT AND RELIEF AGENCY (ADRA) BRINGS AID TO EARTHQUAKE REGION

It’s heartbreaking to witness the destruction in Syria and Turkiye (Turkey), but ADRA feels blessed to be able to serve those who have been affected by this tragedy. Our team began distributing urgent aid in Syria on the first day, and our emergency response unit members are in place to meet the needs in Turkiye as well. We know that the full extent of the earthquake’s devastation is still being revealed day by day, but ADRA’s commitment is long-term and is backed up by the strength of our global network. We are also praying for every person, every family, and every community affected by this earthquake, and we ask that others join us in these prayers as the coming weeks and months will be extremely difficult.

Michael Kruger, ADRA President Earthquake Strike

On Monday, February 6 at 4:17 a.m. local time, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Turkiye and Syria, including a 7.5 earthquake that struck Turkiye and countless aftershocks. The earthquake has been reported as one of the deadliest in two decades.

Our Response

ADRA is providing various services to assist survivors including food, water, shelter, blankets and other winterization items.

ADRA is also working to repair water networks to provide access to water for thousands of people in hard-hit areas.

SILVER SPRING, MD (February 6, 2023) – The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is stepping up emergency response efforts to assist victims of the powerful earthquake that struck southern Türkiye (Turkey) and north-west Syria just before sunrise on Monday, February 6.

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake and over 140 aftershocks devastated the region near Nurdagl and Gaziantep, injuring more than 13,000 people and killing at least 3800, according to UN reports. Authorities claim the quake was the strongest in more than a century.

“ADRA disaster response unit is already on the ground assessing the situation and

THE STATS:

2 Deadly Earthquakes strike

2 Countries devastated 50k plus people killed 300 plus aftershocks post earthquakes 4M refugees impacted by crisis collaborating with local governments and trusted partners. Rescue and evacuation operations are still ongoing in both Türkiye and Syria, and ADRA’s country office in Syria, which has two locations, will be manning the emergency response in the affected region,” says Mario Oliveira, emergency response management director for ADRA International. “As our emergency assessment progresses and we determine the critical needs of many thousands of reported victims, ADRA will be ready to help by providing aid such as multipurpose cash assistance, essential supplies, food, and shelter.”

More than 5,000 buildings including hospitals were destroyed according to local authorities. The disaster had a significant impact on north-west Syria, where over 4 million people are currently in need of humanitarian assistance. The vast majority are women and children.

“For over ten years, ADRA offices have been implementing a variety of humanitarian relief projects, including shelter, health, and education initiatives for refugee families and children in the region. In the aftermath of this massive disaster, ADRA remains committed to assisting vulnerable communities and families in rebuilding their lives. Please keep Syria and Türkiye in your thoughts and prayers,” says Kelly Dowling, emergency response manager for ADRA International.

Visit ADRA.org to learn more about ADRA’s disaster relief efforts in Türkiye, Syria, and other worldwide crises, as well as how you can support ADRA’s global humanitarian mission.

Second Earthquake Strikes

This Region

SILVER SPRING, MD (February 22, 2023) – A second major earthquake and dozens of strong aftershocks hit the devastated region of Syria and Türkiye (Turkey), resulting in additional deaths, injuries, and destruction, but the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) remains committed to assisting the regions impacted communities despite the tremors.

The most recent 6.3 magnitude earthquake, followed by dozens of significant tremors, struck Türkiye southern Hatay province near the Syrian border on Monday, February 20, killing at least six people, injuring hundreds, and trapping many more.

(*Numbers are subject to change daily.)

“Our ADRA emergency response team was a little shaken by the recent earthquake, but we are thankful to God that they are safe and continue to provide aid in the most affected areas. In this crisis, one of ADRA’s primary goals is to provide families with livelihoods so that they can become self-sufficient and rebuild their lives. We have been helping the region’s communities for many years, even before the current crisis, and we will continue to assist,” says Mario Oliveira, director of emergency response management for ADRA International.

According to United Nations (UN) reports, the latest seismic event in Turkey and Syria affected the area that was hit by massive earthquakes and over 1600 aftershocks on February 6, where tens of thousands of victims were trapped under the rubble, over 116,000 were injured, and nearly 50,000 were killed. (*Numbers are subject to change on a daily.)

“ADRA has several staff on the ground with multiple years of experience in responding to disasters who know what to look for and how to respond quickly and are able to give the best assistance at any moment,” says Kelly Dowling, emergency response program manager for ADRA International.

At least ten provinces in the region have declared a state of emergency, according to government officials. Over 7 million children live in the devastated areas and may have been impacted by the widespread destruction.

ADRA has been distributing food, water, clothing, hygiene kits, stoves, and essential supplies since the disaster, as well as sheltering displaced families and implementing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects. To ensure that aid and resources reach affected communities, the humanitarian organization is collaborating with the Adventist Church, government leaders, and trusted partners. ADRA is working to secure tents, portable toilets, solar-powered lights, and gas heaters for impacted communities, as well as micro-grants for shelter-related needs.

An estimated 5 million people are now homeless. Syria’s ongoing civil war has already displaced thousands in the most severely affected areas. Over 12,000 buildings, including 48 health facilities and 1100 schools, were severely damaged or destroyed in Syria and Türkiye. Rescue efforts and homeless families have also been hampered by the bitter cold.

“So many people are sleeping in their cars, sleeping in makeshift tents, and in makeshift shelters. Some are afraid to go home because they’re worried about aftershocks and further damage,” says Kelly Dowling, emergency response program manager for ADRA International.

During the first week following the disaster, one of ADRA’s highly specialized technicians assisted the Hungarian search and rescue team in locating people buried beneath the rubble near Hatay, Türkiye, where 500,000 people lost their homes. The global organi- zation supplied critical tools for rescue operations such as hammers and drills, as well as concrete and metal cutting equipment.

“We rescued six people including two children. It took us 14 hours to save a lady, who was found by our team. It was very difficult to get her out. We worked with the Turkish fire brigade. But finally, we found a solution and got her out,” says Zoltan Sitkei, ADRA country director for Hungary, and search and rescue technician/paramedic.

Visit the link to view Zoltan Sitkei’s story at ground zero: https://youtu.be/ xYdd8MeP-EY

It is feared that sewage lines have contaminated water lines, resulting in a cholera outbreak. As a result, ADRA is working with Syrian municipalities to improve community access to water. It is supplying generators to urgently repair pumping stations to restore the water supply.

About ADRA

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is the international humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church serving in 118 countries. Its work empowers communities and changes lives around the globe by providing sustainable community development and disaster relief. ADRA’s purpose is to serve humanity so all may live as God intended. t

This report came directly from the current ADRA website. Go there for continuous information and updates on aid to this devastated region from Seventh-day Adventists around the world. Keep Turki ye and Syria in prayer, and give what you are able.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What will ADRA do to assist refugees, including women and children in Syria affected by the disaster?

Our ADRA office in Syria has been assisting refugee families, women, and children for several years. ADRA remains committed to assisting vulnerable communities and families in rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of this disaster

Does ADRA have an office in the region?

ADRA has a head office in Syria located in Damascus, with sub-offices in Homs and Aleppo. ADRA established operations in the country in 2013 to address the urgent needs of the Syrian people.

Can I send clothes, food and supplies to help the victims?

ADRA does not accept clothing, food or supplies because it is too difficult to transport materials and food to crisis areas. The beat way to help support victims is by contributing to ADRA’s global humanitarian mission.

How will you use my donation?

Your generosity is greatly appreciated. We will make the most effective use of your donations—90 percent of all contributions to ADRA’s emergency relief efforts go directly to disaster victims. Additional charitable donations will be directed to areas of greater need to support more vulnerable communities through ADRA relief and development programs if funding requirements are met.

Use This Link for More Information: https://adra.org/turkiye-syria-earthquake