Brandon Sipes is the Disaster Management and Humanitarian Crisis Advisor for Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, Inc., where he supports international responses to disasters and crises, provides assistance and support for those who are displaced (refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, etc.), and develops peacebuilding practices through the church. Brandon works with NCMI’s team to support and assist Compassionate Ministries around the world as they seek to fulfill their mission.
Information on the earthquake and recovery:
This is a historically bad event. It’s one of the worst disasters to hit this region in a century. https://disasterphilanthropy.org/disasters/2023-turkey-syria-earthquake/
41k people killed and rising.
Hundreds of thousands of people displaced from their homes
Up to 23 million people impacted
Almost 50k buildings damaged (and this will likely climb as well) See attached example of structural damage.
Many have lost access to water, electricity, etc.
What stage of recovery are they in now? Is the search for survivors ongoing? Are they still dealing with aftershocks?
Some full info on recovery plans here: https://reliefweb.int/report/turkiye/syria-and-turkiye-ifrc-increases-emergency-funding-ask-chf-650-million-humanitarian-needs-rise
While chances for “rescue” are dwindling, even today they pulled someone out who had been trapped for 10 days. More and more it will transition to the recovery of bodies.
There have been hundreds of aftershocks. Most of these are not damaging to structures, but people are too worried to stay in homes, and every shake creates more trauma.
Has clean-up begun?
Yes. There has been a slow Aid response, due to political issues and damage to roads, but that is opening up some. Getting heavy machinery into the region is a huge need.
What plans are being made for relief and recovery?
Currently, the focus of most aid agencies, and our focus, is to meet critical immediate needs of food, water, shelter, and medical. As these needs are met more and more, we will start strategizing for the next phases.
Is there anything we can do to help?
Syria has been in crisis for more than a decade, and this event will only increase vulnerability in the Northwest region. Pray for the peace of the country, and for the church to bear witness to what God can do in people’s lives.
Give to respected organizations working to support those suffering. International Red Crescent, Doctors Without Borders, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries: https://give.ncm.org/donate/140021
