Convoy of Hope is responding to the multiple earthquakes that have killed thousands of people in Turkey and Syria. Food, water and other essentials will be sent to the region as quickly as possible.
“Convoy of Hope is there to serve communities devastated by these earthquakes,” said Ryan Grabill, Convoy of Hope’s senior director of International Disaster Services. “We’re working with local partners on the ground to meet the most significant needs at this time.”
Search teams and international aid poured into Turkey and Syria on Tuesday as rescuers working in freezing temperatures and sometimes using their bare hands dug through the remains of buildings flattened by a powerful earthquake. The number of lost lives soared above 7,800 and was still expected to rise.
But with the damage spread over a wide area, the massive relief operation often struggled to reach devastated towns, and voices that had been crying out from the rubble fell silent. At least 7,800 lives have been lost, with 31,000 injured. (AP)
The most powerful was a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked the region Monday, leveling buildings in both Turkey and Syria and trapping hundreds beneath the rubble. Tragically, the death toll will certainly rise as rescuers attempt to find survivors. Snowy winter weather and violent aftershocks — one nearly as strong as the original earthquake — have made rescue efforts frustratingly slow. The earthquake was so strong that it was felt as far away as Cairo, Egypt.
Convoy of Hope has a long history of serving in the region. Since 2015, Convoy has worked across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East in response to multiple refugee crises.
About Convoy of Hope
Convoy of Hope is a global, faith-based organization that serves vulnerable communities. By partnering with local churches, businesses, civic organizations, and government agencies, Convoy has strategically offered help and hope in more than 125 countries around the world. Since its founding in 1994, Convoy of Hope has served 200 million people and counting. Each year since 2002, Charity Navigator has awarded its highest rating to the organization — recognizing Convoy as a Four-Star Charity. Visit convoyofhope.org to learn more.