A layered disaster: Supporting long-term recovery in Turkey and Syria

A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck southern Turkey near the northern border of Syria on Feb. 6. The quake was followed approximately nine hours later by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake located around 59 miles (95 kilometers) to the southwest. Dozens of large aftershocks have also occurred.

In northwest Syria, 4.1 million people – primarily women and children – already depend on humanitarian assistance. While countries have offered to support Turkey, getting aid to affected Syrians is likely to be more difficult.

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy hosted a webinar to look at the earthquake’s impact on a region already destabilized by one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world. The quake will undoubtedly exacerbate ongoing challenges and preexisting vulnerabilities.

Speakers shared the latest information, including critical needs and gaps, and provided concrete takeaways for funders to effectively support relief and recovery efforts now underway.

Alex Gray, CDP director of international funds, moderated the discussion and panelists included:

• Thomas Debass, Managing Director of the Office of Global Partnerships, U.S. Department of State
• Sema Genel Karaosmanoğlu, Director, Hayata Destek Derneği / Support to Life, Chair, NEAR Network
• Jason Lacsamana, Director of Programs and Partnerships, St. Joseph Community Partnership Fund.
• Alex Mahoney, Deputy Director for the Office of Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance