One year of Türkiye earthquake

On 6 February 2023, the first of two powerful and massive earthquakes hit south-eastern Türkiye and northern Syria within the space of 12 hours at a depth of six miles, and there were several powerful aftershocks measuring as strong as 7.6 destroying hundreds of buildings and claiming the lives of thousands. In Türkiye alone, more than 53,000 people lost their lives, while twice as many were left injured. Countless homes were destroyed. Many have been thrust further into poverty and desperation since the quakes, with thousands still homeless and vulnerable. In addition, Türkiye hosts 3.4 million refugees and the earthquake impacted a region that is home to over 1.76 million of them.

As of the end of the Flash Appeal in May 2023, targeted assistance for critical humanitarian needs has been provided to 5.4 million people. This assistance complemented the Government’s efforts to provide a wide range of social protection packages for affected families, farm owners and businesses, establish temporary shelter solutions while also beginning the reconstruction of homes. The 54 Shelter and NFI Sector’ members have reached more than 1M HH with shelter assistance and around 1M HH with NFI items mainly in Malatya, Hatay, Kahramanmaras, Adiyaman, and Gaziantep where they live in 220k AFAD Standard Containers, 70k Foldable and various types of containers, 23k Tents, and more than 5k makeshift shelters.

During the harsh winter condition, the winterization kits are still on the top needs list. The local authorities continue requesting a support of providing tarpaulins, heaters, and other winterization items. Likewise, the same items were on top of the referred needs to the shelter sector. Additionally, infrastructure and communal level needs in container cities are highly needed. The partners were oriented through the 3W tool to avoid overlapping and duplication in the response while preparing for expected coming hot summer with different type of needs. In parallel and as a path to recovery, the shelter and NFI sector is working with partners on the rehabilitation of lightly damaged dwellings, primarily in rural areas. While the shelter and NFI sector members appreciate the timely and generous aid offered by donors, it appeals for continued support to ensure dignified living conditions and critical humanitarian needs can be met.