Local ACT Alliance (Action by Churches Together) members, including the Middle East Council of Churches, immediately began to assist people after last month’s earthquakes.

Churches opened their buildings and schools for those seeking shelter and comfort. Members and staff organised hot food, food and hygiene kits, blankets and clothing. People did all they could to help each other and “bring hope to the hearts of sad people who have suffered through wars and disasters.”

Christian World Service is appealing for donations, to assist people struggling to cope in the aftermath of the quakes.

The earthquake survivors will need new homes and livelihoods in the months and years ahead. ACT Alliance partners need funding to provide medical care to those injured or traumatised in the quakes and those with chronic health conditions.

“We can’t take any new grief! Doesn’t the hardship of these days have an end? I can’t forget the terrifying moments when the earthquake struck. I don’t know how I managed to take my two children in my arms and run with my wife into the street. 10 days since the earthquake, my kids are still today afraid to sleep, cry when they are in a closed room and think that the ceiling will fall on us,” an earthquake survivor told a church worker in Aleppo.

The political situation has made the humanitarian response challenging and aid to the region was already falling below what is needed. The freezing winter temperatures added to the suffering.

CWS is grateful to individuals, churches and others for their generous support of the Türkiye Syria Earthquake Appeal.

“Thank you to everyone who has responded so quickly to our appeal. It was such a relief to be able to assist other earthquake survivors. Through your donations people have hope. Please remember them in your prayers and in your giving,” says Murray Overton, National Director.

At least six ACT Alliance members were already working with Syrians and Palestinians when the first earthquake struck. After a rapid assessment, they revised their programmes in Syria to assist wherever they could. ACT Alliance members are also working in Türkiye, host to 3.6 million Syrians and Palestinians, the largest refugee population in the world.

The United Nations reported more than 4.1 million in northern Syria people were dependent on humanitarian assistance before the quakes.

The initial magnitude 7.8 earthquake set off a stream of earthquakes and aftershocks. More than 47,000 people have lost their lives and one million people were made homeless by the devastating events.

Donations to the Türkiye Syria Earthquake Appeal can be made online at cws.org.nz or by phone at 0800 74 73 72.