Turkiye earthquake update

Update, 16 June 2023

The IN Türkiye team are continuing to meet pressing human needs, focusing on the southern province of Hatay, close to the Syrian border. Around 6,000 families have now been assisted in various ways.

In Phase 2 of the response, hundreds of ‘care packs’ are being distributed to children who are still unable to return to school, their buildings being destroyed in the quakes and with no estimate currently available for reopening. The packs include stationery and craft items, activities, a first aid kit, flip flops and a simple toy.

Plans are also being developed for an extensive Vacation Bible School (holiday Bible club) programme to be held in several locations in Hatay throughout the summer months. These will provide fun activities for 100-120 children at a time, with two sessions a day and an evening meal being provided for attendees.

More than 500 women will be reached too, with an opportunity to join in discussions at peer support groups being held at the same time. These will provide respite from childcare and a chance to have basic needs met, with the provision of feminine hygiene item and an opportunity to have a session with a hairdresser!

The IN Team reports that locally-circulating figures indicate that the quake has orphaned 20,000 children in the south of the country (enumerating children who have lost both parents). Data for children who have lost one parent or other family member(s) is not currently available. The VBS programme will be designed to be sensitive, and also accessible to children incurring disabilities during the disaster.