Türkiye-Syria Earthquake: Two Years On

On 6 February 2023, massive earthquakes struck southeastern Türkiye (formerly Turkey) and northern Syria. It is the earthquake with the highest death toll since the 2010 disaster in Haiti. An event that lasted only minutes, but whose devastating effects are still being felt today. ADRA Australia has been one of the aid organisations supporting people, especially in Syria, from the very first hours. What has been accomplished so far, and what still needs to be done?

The main earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.8, lasted for 75 seconds, devastating southeastern Türkiye and northern Syria. A few hours later, another massive earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 struck. It also lasted for 60 to 90 seconds. These earthquakes resulted in over 62,000 deaths and more than 125,000 injuries. A series of smaller aftershocks followed. On 20 and 27 February, additional large tremors with magnitudes between 5.5 and 6.8 shook the region.

The number of destroyed buildings was countless—from residential homes to schools to hospitals. In addition to the dead and injured, many people became homeless due to the disaster, further adding to the toll of the earthquake. The infrastructure for energy supply, water and sewage, as well as roads, was also severely damaged. The United Nations estimated property damage at a staggering amount of over 100 billion US dollars.

ADRA has been supporting people in Syria for over 11 years through various projects in the war-torn country. After the earthquake, emergency aid was immediately launched. ADRA was active in Türkiye and Syria, in the regions of Latakia, Aleppo, and Hama. Affected individuals received aid packages containing hygiene items, baby diapers, warm clothing, as well as mattresses and blankets. In five shelters, ADRA provided cleaning supplies to improve hygiene. Work was also underway to repair the drinking water supply. Through “Cash for Work,” ADRA supported people who volunteer to help others in the shelters. This allows people to earn a little extra income and get back on their feet faster.

ADRA Projects for Reconstruction in Syria

The immediate emergency aid in Syria and Türkiye is followed by support for reconstruction, with a focus on Syria. This will be needed for a long time. ADRA Australia has been contributing from the beginning to help people in Syria return to daily life after the disaster. The difficult political conditions and conflicts in the region make the work challenging. Over the last two years, the ADRA Australia has implemented or supported numerous projects to help the people affected by the disaster in Syria sustainably:

• Restoring Housing: In cooperation with local partners, the repair of destroyed or damaged houses has been funded, ensuring that families have a safe home.
• Renovation of Water and Sewage Systems: To ensure access to clean drinking water, damaged water pipes have been repaired, and new water collection points have been constructed.
• Psychosocial Support: ADRA offers psychological support to traumatised survivors, particularly for children and teenagers.
• Distribution of Aid Items: In the first months after the disaster, food packages, clothing, and hygiene items were distributed.

Through these measures, ADRA helps not only address the immediate effects of the earthquake but also create long-term prospects for the affected individuals. The work is made possible by donations from Australia—a sign of solidarity with the people of Syria. From February 2023 to January 2025, ADRA has supported over 104,000 people in Syria and 1,600 people in Turkey.

Current Focus on Rebuilding Education

In a current project, the focus is on stabilising the education system in Syria. Many schools in the affected areas were damaged, and the interrupted school time led to significant learning setbacks. ADRA offers tutoring programs for middle and high school students to help them catch up on missed lessons. Teachers are trained in modern active learning methods, while lost school materials such as books, notebooks, and backpacks are replaced. Damaged schools are being repaired and equipped with new furniture to provide children with a safe access to education again. At the same time, psychosocial support is offered to help process traumatic experiences. In total, around 25,000 children benefit from these measures, which offer them a chance at a better future.