RE:ACT recce team deployed to Türkiye (Turkey) following the country’s largest earthquake on record
Posted by Alice Chick 06th February 2023 News
Estimated Reading Time: 1 min
photo credit: Reuters
last updated: 10/02/2023
In the early hours of Monday 6th February, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook Türkiye (Turkey) and Syria. So far, over 21,000 people are reported dead, with thousands more seriously injured and many still trapped beneath the rubble. These numbers continue to rise at an alarming rate.
RE:ACT have deployed a two-person recce team to Türkiye to assess the disaster on the ground, gain situational awareness and connect with partners to establish how best to provide support.
The earthquake, thought to be the largest on record, has been followed by several aftershocks and a second earthquake of 7.5 magnitude at 13:30 local time.
The Turkish Interior Ministry has declared the incident a Level 4 Alert and a request has been made for international assistance with search and rescue efforts for those trapped under the rubble.
In addition to the destruction from the earthquake and aftershocks, freezing weather conditions are making rescue efforts even more difficult and there is an urgent need for shelter for the affected population.
Once in country, the RE:ACT recce team will connect with partners SOS Attitude to establish how we can work collaboratively to provide support. Weather conditions are causing travel disruption but we have been able to secure flights and should reach the affected area on Wednesday morning.
International Operations Manager Paul Taylor is leading the recce, supported by International Responder Jan-Campbell Wood. At present, RE:ACT anticipates a full deployment following this recce trip, with a focus on addressing the need for shelter.
Please donate to support our response to the earthquake in Türkiye. Every donation helps us to assist the most vulnerable and hardest to reach.
We will keep our supporters updated via our website and social media channels, so please check back.