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On Monday 6th February 2023, a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit southern Turkiye and Syria killed at least 50,000 people, with the number expected to continue to rise.

In Turkiye, an estimated 45,968 people have died across seven provinces and surrounding areas, and 7,259 people have now been killed in Syria. The death toll continues to climb as thousands more are injured and many remain missing. It is estimated that more than 6,400 buildings have been destroyed and a staggering 13 million people are left homeless or displaced with no means to access food, clean water, shelter or other basic necessities.

Many of these families have already suffered through conflict, disaster, and chronic poverty and the effects of the earthquake will now leave thousands-if not millions-of families completely and utterly destitute.

Whilst families struggle to come to terms with the loss of their loved ones and their homes, hospitals also struggle to cope with the enormous influx of casualties and urgently require resources.

As the disaster unfolded, The Zahra Trust’s local team mobilised to provide immediate support following a rapid needs assessment.

The Zahra Trust’s local teams have tirelessly provided aid in the form of:

  • Food
  • Water
  • Shelter
  • Hygiene kits
  • Medical aid
  • Hospital supplies
  • Baby formula
  • Diapers
  • Blankets and clothing

In addition to providing short-term relief, our teams remain on the ground in order to provide more lasting aid to help families rebuild their lives. We are currently implementing a plan to help with reconstruction of homes and local infrastructure, provide psychological support and supporting schools and hospitals with running costs and equipment.

We can only do this with your continued support.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE NOW

How we have helped?

As conflict and natural disasters continued to devastate countless lives across the world, The Zahra Trust’s field teams respond swiftly to address the needs of the most vulnerable throughout its areas of operation with life-saving aid. Your donations help us continue to offer a vital lifeline of support to some of the most vulnerable people affected.

  • 2016: The Zahra Trust constructed 27 tents and distributed emergency aid to 135 Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
  • 2017: Distributed 500 food parcels to Rohingya families in Myanmar
  • 2018: Provided 400 families with food and financial support in Yemen amidst the famine.
  • 2019: In response to Europe’s migrant crisis, The Zahra Trust held medical camps at two locations in Greece to treat acutely and chronically injured displaced people, with each clinic serving up to 100 patients per day
  • 2020: Built homes for victims of the maternity hospital blast in Kabul and repaired homes of the victims of the devastating Beirut blast
  • 2021: Responded to the deadly new variant of COVID-19 in India that left the nation struggling to cope, providing hospitals with hundreds of oxygen tanks, oximeters and concentrators.
  • 2022: Responded to deadly attack on worshipers at a mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan; as the first NGO on the scene, we provided both immediate and long-term assistance to those affected
  • 2022: In response to a devastating 6.1 magnitude earthquake killing over one thousand, our team quickly deployed to provide emergency assistance to those impacted by the natural disaster
  • 2022: Responded to extreme flooding in Pakistan & Afghanistan that affected over 33 million people, providing shelter, water, food and hygiene kits

Please support our emergency fund, so we can be on hand immediately to help those most in need, in their greatest time of need.

Earthquake – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is The Zahra Trust delivering aid?

The Zahra Trust’s aid is being disbursed across Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Latakia and Tartous as well as the bordering regions of Turkey that were affected. 

What is The Zahra Trust doing to support the survivors of the disaster?

We are currently providing meals and food parcels, blankets, nappies, baby milk formula as well as hygiene kits and disposable sanitary items. 

We are also holding informal mobile health clinics and equipping hospitals with vital medicines and medical supplies including medicine storage units. 

How does The Zahra Trust get aid to the ground?

The Zahra Trust is poised to respond to emergencies as they unfold in a range of ways, dependent on the location and the nature of the emergency. 

When the first earthquake struck, our local representatives in the region mobilised to support those affected with funds readily available for such instances. With a network of existing contacts in the entire region, our team relied on trusted contacts and suppliers to distribute aid rapidly. 

Can I travel to the affected areas to volunteer?

We understand that a lot of people have been deeply affected by the footage and heart-breaking stories that have been reported following the earthquakes, however we do not recommend, nor can we facilitate, travel to the area at this time due to the dangerous situation on the ground.  

How can I offer my support?

The best way to support during a crisis such as this is through raising awareness, donating to experienced, reputable charitable organisations and rallying the support of your local community, for instance with a prayer vigil in remembrance of those whose lives were taken or affected. 

Are my donations to this emergency appeal eligible for zakat or khums?

You can donate your khums or zakat donations and select the cause you would like it to go toward however due to the nature of the emergency we cannot guarantee that donations to this specific appeal are khums or zakat applicable. For more information, please see the pages on our site for this or contact: [email protected] 

Does The Zahra Trust charge an admin fee on my donation?

No; our administration costs are covered through Gift Aid recovery on UK taxpayer donations. This means that we do not deduct anything from your donations and our essential support costs and aid delivery costs are covered. 

How can I remain informed about the work The Zahra Trust is doing?

We frequently release updates regarding our work. Be sure to follow us on social media and ensure you are signed up to our newsletter to stay informed about how your donations are making a difference.