An Unforgettable Memory: The 2023 Turkey-Syria Earthquake A Humanitarian Disaster and a Qualitative Response from the International Association for the Care of Victims of War and Disasters “Al-Ameen”
On February 6, 2023, the world woke up to one of the worst humanitarian disasters in modern times, as a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck large areas of Turkey and Syria, causing massive human losses exceeding 50,000 deaths and displacing millions of people. This disaster was a real test of the ability of the international community and humanitarian organizations to respond effectively in light of deteriorating humanitarian conditions, especially in the affected Syrian areas that were previously suffering from chronic crises resulting from armed conflicts, food insecurity, and the decline of basic services.
Widespread Destruction and Catastrophic Humanitarian Impacts
The repercussions of the earthquake extended widely, as it caused the complete collapse of more than 100,000 buildings, while approximately 2.3 million buildings were damaged to varying degrees, leading to widespread mass displacement. More than 120,000 people were injured with varying degrees of severity, leaving health systems severely depleted, especially in northern Syria, where medical facilities lack the basic resources and equipment needed to deal with large-scale disasters.
The tragedy was not limited to numbers and statistics, but rather reflected a tragic humanitarian reality, as tens of thousands found themselves homeless amid harsh weather conditions, amid a severe shortage of food, potable water, and medical supplies necessary to save lives.
A Crisis Reality Before the Earthquake: Accumulating Crises and Logistical Challenges
Before the disaster, the affected areas in Syria were suffering from multidimensional crises, as the imposed siege, economic downturn, and the decline in international humanitarian aid exacerbated the living conditions of the population. In addition, the continuation of the war for more than a decade contributed to the erosion of the infrastructure, making the emergency response more complex and raising the level of challenges facing humanitarian organizations working in the field.
Effective Humanitarian Response: The Role of the International Association for the Care of Victims of War and Disasters “Al-Ameen”
Under these exceptional circumstances, the International Association for the Care of Victims of War and Disasters “Al-Ameen” launched a qualitative humanitarian response, based on a comprehensive approach aimed at mitigating the repercussions of the disaster by providing emergency assistance and enhancing the resilience of affected communities.
As part of its relief efforts, the International Association “Al-Ameen” delivered aid through the air bridge launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in cooperation with Turkey, which contributed to the delivery of large quantities of humanitarian supplies, including food, medical supplies, and shelter materials. The association also strengthened its field operations by establishing mobile relief centers, to ensure that aid reaches the most vulnerable groups, especially in the northern Syrian regions that suffered from geographical isolation that prevented international support from reaching them.
Integrated Support: From Food to Healthcare
The association was able to provide extensive support, including distributing thousands of food and health baskets, providing coal and heating materials to the displaced, as well as establishing temporary shelters, which contributed to providing a safer environment for those affected.
As part of enhancing the medical response, the association signed cooperation agreements with the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid to support the operation of field hospitals and mobile clinics, providing integrated medical services to more than 250,000 beneficiaries. The humanitarian efforts also included providing wheelchairs and special assistance to people with special needs, in response to the high percentage of people with disabilities as a result of the earthquake.
In Turkey, the association contributed to supporting Syrian refugees and host communities in Hatay Province, by establishing medical clinics equipped with full logistical tools, to provide emergency and continuous health services to those affected.
A strategic commitment to sustainable relief and rehabilitation
The efforts of the International Association for the Care of Victims of Wars and Disasters “Al-Ameen” are not limited to emergency response, but extend to supporting recovery and rehabilitation strategies, through sustainable programs aimed at empowering local communities and enhancing their resilience in the face of future disasters.
These efforts confirm the association’s commitment to its humanitarian mission of providing support to vulnerable communities, and embody an effective model of relief work based on humanitarian principles and good governance. In times of crises, international solidarity and collaborative work between relief organizations become a decisive factor in saving lives and restoring hope to those who lost everything in a single moment.
