Whilst DDDT is primarily concerned with the relief of poverty and the advancement of education in Djarkpanga, Togo, the Trustees felt that they couldn’t let the opportunity pass to help the suffering victims of the devastating recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria. They felt compelled to take whatever actions they could to provide help to these desperate nations following a natural disaster.
What Prompted DDDT to Respond?
On Monday 6th February at 4:17am local time, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria. It was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks. Then at 13:24 a second 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit the Elbistan district. As of the 12th February, the death toll is at 33,000 and is set to continue to rise. This is the deadliest earthquake in Turkey since 1939. As at 16th February, the death toll has reached almost 42,000. Many families and communities have suffered greatly in these times.
Rescuers have been racing to save people in Turkey and Syria who are trapped beneath the rubble and to get shelter and support to those who have lost their homes or are afraid to return inside. With homes destroyed, power down, and hospitals, bridges, and roads damaged, many thousands of people are in urgent need of help. Snow and bad weather mean that people who have lost their homes are facing freezing temperatures outside, so warmth, shelter, and sustenance are really high priorities.
How Did DDDT Help?
DDDT made its own appeal, to collect donations on a large scale, and was able to ship 50 large bags of clothing to Syria and Turkey to help meet families’ immediate and basic needs. This was achieved with the help of the DDDT diaspora, who were kind enough to give their own surplus clothes. Once collected, the clothes were packaged and shipped to Syria and Turkey as part of a consolidated shipment.
How Has This Helped People in Turkey & Syria?
Global Charities launched an urgent humanitarian appeal to everyone for support to help survivors who have lost their homes in freezing temperatures. DDDT hope that the bags of clothes they’ve shipped will help the children and families who survived the earthquake with their clothing needs and help keep them warm in the freezing cold conditions. DDDT’s response is just a very small part of a worldwide appeal, which will make a positive difference on the ground.
If you’d like to make a difference in Turkey and Syria at this time and are able to make a financial donation to support the Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal, you can donate directly with the DEC here: Home | Disasters Emergency Committee (dec.org.uk)
Thank you,
The Trustees of DDDT
February 2023
