In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and aftershocks in Syria and Turkey it can be difficult to know the best ways to help or direct resources. Two Lost and Found editors and friends, Öykü Tekten and Zohra Saed who are working directly with people in the region on relief efforts have given us information on safe, effective places to donate that are providing direct aid to the people affected.
Öykü shared with us days after the disaster that approximately 13.5 million people and 4 million buildings are affected by the earthquake earthquake and aftershocks in Turkey. Essential structures like hospitals, roads, gas stations, nursing homes, and airports, were damaged or destroyed in ten cities. Small towns and villages have not been receiving any aid from their government. She told us, “my own family, including my ninety-year-old grandmother, is among those who survived the earthquakes and yet left without any aid —shelter, food, water, gas, medicine, proper clothing.”
If you are able to provide aid, and looking for somewhere to donate, please consider some of the following suggestions:
Syria:
Molham Team – https://molhamteam.com/en/campaigns/439
Syrian American Medical Society – https://www.sams-usa.net/donate/
Turkey:
Turkey Earthquake Fund – https://www.gofundme.com/f/xh8d5t-turkey-earthquake-fund
Relief fund for LGBTQIA+ Sex Workers: https://gogetfunding.com/queer-relief-fund-for-the-6-february-earthquake-lgbtqia-and-or-sw-survivors/
Zohra Saed and UpSet Press have started a mutual aid campaign to directly support earthquake victims in Adiyaman:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/xh8d5t-turkey-earthquake-fund or Venmo Zohra directly @zohra-saed
This photograph (also appearing above) was taken by Kazim Kızı of a group of children who survived the earthquakes in Maras. Öykü shared it with us, and we wanted to pass it forward, ending on a note of hope & joy. “The maturity of their posture & gaze is part of a longer story, but my guts tell me that the front row features the next generation of troublemakers we all need.”
Thank you for any donations or support you may be able to give to help those suffering from the earthquake and aftershocks in Syria and Turkey.