On February 6th, a devastating earthquake struck Turkey, instantly disrupting the lives of its victims. Over four months have passed, but those affected by the
earthquake in Turkey continue to face complex crises in housing, health and sanitation, and mental well-being. The international community has united to offer help
and support to those affected by the catastrophe. Despite the combined efforts of various organizations and nations, the situation remains critical.
GFoundation immediately mobilized an emergency relief response team to Turkey and initiated its rescue activities, commencing with Adiyaman region, which
endured most of the earthquake’s aftershocks. Countless buildings lay in ruins, unrecognizable and scattered with debris, posing a significant danger to the area’s
inhabitants. The earthquake victims are currently living in tents outside the destroyed buildings, grappling with the challenges of meeting their basic needs.
Primary Response
Understanding the urgency of the situation, the GFoundation Emergency Relief Response Team promptly provided essential food supplies, including rice,
cooking oil, and canned goods. Additionally, daily necessities and hygiene products such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, and sanitary napkins
were distributed. The relief kits were compassionately delivered to families currently taking refuge in temporary shelters. In the households of the kit recipients,
expressions of gratitude were heard.
“We have lost everything due to the devastating earthquake and find ourselves lacking even the most basic provisions.
However, we are grateful for our survival and incredibly thankful for the generosity and support we have received.”
In the surrounding areas of Adiyaman, crucial items such as flour, sugar, grains, and tea, as well as daily necessities including underwear, sanitary pads, and
diapers, were delivered. Warming supplies like stoves and blankets were provided to those residing in tents without proper heating. Approximately 10 tons of
various aid items were delivered to support the earthquake victims.
By providing relief kits and engaging in rescue activities, we were able to assist a total of 2,906 victims.
Second Round of Rescue
Collaborating with local organizations, GFoundation continued to produce sanitary kits and provided secondary aid to 1,000 people affected by the earthquake.
These kits contained essential hygiene products such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, hand sanitizer, masks, and sanitary napkins.
Third Round of Rescue
Focusing on the regions of Adiyaman and Hatay, GFoundation delivered sanitary products, food, and household items. 2,000 earthquake victims received
sanitary kits containing items for personal hygiene and health, including liquid soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sanitary pads, and hand sanitizer.
GFoundation continued to assemble and distribute food kits to 1,500 victims in the Samandag district of Hatay. These kits included vital provisions like rice, oil,
and beans, alongside essential daily necessities such as toilet paper, toothbrushes, and underwear.
We were able to reach out and help a total of 3,500 victims in Turkey.
Fourth Round of Rescue
In April, the fourth relief activity was made possible through donations from the Pilgrim Mission Church in USA. Our objective was to provide essential supplies
such as food and sanitary products, aiming to alleviate the daily struggles faced by the affected individuals in Hassa and Antakya in Hatay.
GFoundation has created school supply kits with the purpose of assisting children in continuing their education. The school supply kit included essential items
such as a school bag, pencils, colored pencils, sharpeners, erasers, pencil cases, water bottles, and sketchbooks. We could deliver these kits to 500 children.
An emergency relief kit focusing on hygiene was also prepared. This kit consisted of sanitary napkins, toothpaste, toothbrushes, wet tissues, detergent, hand
sanitizer, shampoo, and toilet paper. It was distributed to 1500 individuals in need. Additionally, recognizing the increased need for summer clothing due to rising
temperatures during the winter season after the earthquake, GFoundation provided underwear, socks, and garments to 770 individuals. Through these efforts,
we were able to extend our support to approximately 850 families, encompassing a total of 4,245 individuals who were affected by the earthquake. One of our
staff members at GFoundation expressed with heartfelt emotions, saying:
“We are grateful for the opportunity to provide solace and hope to those who have lost everything in the amidst the harshness of winter. As summer arrives, new
challenges arise for the victims. These support projects have provided hope and time to adapt to new circumstances, but complete recovery requires ongoing
support. We humbly ask for constant attention, support, and prayers to help rebuild and bring back a sense of normalcy.”
GFoundation will maintain its commitment to support them by providing food, daily necessities, and sanitary products to the victims of the earthquake in Turkey.
From the moment news of the tragedy, your support has brought comfort to the hearts of countless survivors, reminding them that they are not alone in their
struggle. It is not only just about reconstructing structures or providing physical needs; it is about restoring hope, courage to rebuild, strength, and a sense of
normalcy. We request ongoing support and compassion from our sponsors, as it will contribute to assisting and empowering those affected by this disaster. We
will continue to update our sponsors on the progress of the ongoing emergency relief mission.
