Türkiye earthquake
Above: An Australian search and rescue team looks through the rubble of a fallen building in Türkiye. Photo: DFAT
In the early hours of 6 February 2023, multiple earthquakes struck southern Türkiye and northern Syria. The earthquakes, the largest of which was 7.8 in magnitude, created a disaster of catastrophic proportions, with some 48,000 people killed and thousands of buildings destroyed.
The scale of displacement from the earthquakes, which hit in the depths of winter, left millions in need of shelter and essentials. Lack of access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, heating and other essentials was especially affecting those living in informal settlements. Access to education was interrupted for millions of children, with essential infrastructure damaged or destroyed. There were more than 5,700 aftershocks in the weeks following the initial earthquakes, compounding both the needs and trauma of those affected.
In March 2023, the Australian Government announced an AUD 18 million assistance package for Türkiye, including a $2 million response through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership, which was led by Save the Children. An additional $2.9 million was made available in June 2023, allowing additional response activities to commence under the lead of World Vision.
The AHP response
Save the Children Australia worked in partnership with Sened, a national NGO in Türkiye, while World Vision worked with the International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation (IBC).
The AHP response delivered high-quality, complementary and inclusive child protection, gender-based violence services, mental health and psychosocial care to the communities most affected by the earthquake.
Support services were tailored to address the complex and specific needs of different families, including referrals to other specialised services and access to resources such as emergency funds.
Four safe spaces were established through the response to provide case management and mental health support. The spaces included breastfeeding and WASH facilities, and provided baby care and menstrual hygiene supplies. Caregivers were supported with positive parenting training, and humanitarian agency staff and volunteers received training on child protection and inclusion topics.
Latest field stories from the Türkiye response
Hayat would do anything to protect her children’s safety, even using her own body as a shield during bombings. But when she was faced with violence in her home, it was harder to speak out. With support through the AHP earthquake response, she can now find her peace.