Disaster Response to February Earthquakes
Serving Those Impacted by the Earthquakes in Turkey
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
—Isaiah 41:10
On February 6, a deadly magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey, followed by aftershocks as large as magnitude 7.5. Tragically, this disaster has killed more than 50,000 people in countries throughout the region and left more than 3 million men, women, and children displaced or homeless. Many families are now living in tent or container camps in Turkey, relying on the generosity of others to survive.
Access to safe water is among the most critical needs following a disaster. It quenches thirst; enables critically needed services like meals, shelter, and medical attention; and helps prevent the spread of waterborne illnesses, which are especially deadly to young children. With more than 20 years of experience responding to natural disasters and humanitarian crises, Water Mission has an extensive background in providing immediate and long-term safe water solutions in complex contexts. Water Mission was on the ground in Turkey just days after the deadly disaster. After our initial assessment of the urgent water, sanitation, and hygiene needs, we quickly started building safe water solutions.
As of the end of April, we’ve installed 16 systems that serve nearly 57,000 people with safe water for drinking, cooking, handwashing, and bathing. The systems have been strategically placed in camps, kitchens, and clinics, where the need is greatest.
Many people still lack access to safe water, and Water Mission is responding to additional requests throughout the Maras and Hatay regions.
Please pray for the people of Turkey and the surrounding region, and for our staff responding to this urgent situation. We also invite you to consider supporting Water Mission’s relief efforts to bring safe water to those impacted by the earthquakes in Turkey.
Water Mission has earned Charity Navigator’s highest rating for the past 15 years. For ongoing updates on our disaster relief efforts and our work around the world, please follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, or sign up for Water Mission’s emails.