With winter approaching in the areas affected by a 6.6 magnitude earthquake in Turkey, Caritas Internationalis has established a two-month emergency program to provide winter clothes, heaters and other emergency supplies.
Caritas is a confederation of 165 Catholic relief, development and social service organizations.
The earthquake struck just off the coast of Turkey October 30 in the South Aegean Sea and was felt in the surrounding countries of Greece, Bulgaria and Macedonia. Reports say 114 people died and another 1,035 were injured. An estimated 15,000 people are sleeping in tents in parks, recreational areas, university campuses, stadiums or in the houses of relatives or friends. More people are expected to be put out on the streets, as many damaged buildings, which have been rendered too dangerous to be inhabited, will be destroyed.
Caritas Turkey’s program in Izmir will assist 2,500 people in coping with their losses due to the earthquake and help them face the rapidly approaching winter. Caritas will provide vital items people may have lost during the earthquake such as diapers and formula milk for babies, blankets, beds, winter clothes and household appliances for those temporarily relocated by the government.
As the weather is getting colder every day, there will be an additional need for warm clothes, blankets and heaters. Caritas will continue to assess the needs to assist those who are living in precarious situations to ensure they receive assistance in the long-term.
“In spite of the global crisis, we’ve really felt the solidarity of the local people in Izmir, who’ve been generously giving concrete help to those who’ve been affected by the earthquake,” said Nadir Nadhim, the director of Caritas Turkey. “We now need help in order for us to continue our programs and give hope to those who are trying to rebuild their lives as we move towards winter.”
The €52,000 program has so far received €20,000 funding, which leaves a shortfall of just €32,000. More information can be found here.
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