On February 6, tragedy struck with two 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes in Southeastern Turkey and Northern Syria claiming precious lives and causing devastating damage. As the death toll surpasses more than 36,000 with tens of thousands injured, they continue to search for survivors amidst the freezing temperatures.
It’s hard not to feel a range of emotions watching people go through this type of tragedy. It’s hitting home for so many of our Texas Children’s colleagues, especially those watching what’s unfolding in their home country.
Dr. Serife Uysal in Pediatrics, Diabetes and Endocrinology at the Woodlands Campus shares her thoughts on what is happening in her home country of Turkey. “The amount of pain and suffering is immense and humanitarian needs are enormous. People have lost their lives, their loved ones, houses and jobs, and recovery will take years. My heart breaks for them. So many people are in need for food, water, shelter, medical supplies, as well as mental and emotional support as they cope with these events. Outside help is essential to their survival.”
Serpil Tutan, Director, Clinical Research, Department of Pediatrics comments on the tragedy and appreciation for the support. “No words can describe the pain and devastation I feel after one of the largest and deadliest earthquakes hit Turkey, my home country, and Syria. It is frustrating to see this much destruction and chaos. Hopefully, something good can come out of this as a lesson to be learned for everyone on how to be better prepared to survive and act fast to save lives in the future. All we can do now is play our part in supporting a quick recovery for affected regions. I am grateful for the outpouring of love and support we are receiving from the rest of the world.”
Ipek Kose, Research Administration Specialist stresses the importance of coming together in aid. “This is a big tragedy in Turkey and Syria. The earthquake took many lives and continues to do so and the damage is bigger than anyone can imagine. But thanks to you, we can touch lives with a little help and be the hope to leave these devastations behind. We need your help and anything you can provide through the links below would be appreciated as recovery will be a long journey. Please spread the word. Thank you!”
Elif Dundar, Research Coordinator encourages people to think globally. “Survivors of the catastrophic earthquakes in Syria and Turkey are in need of global support. In the midst of harsh winter storms, families are urgently seeking access to shelter, food and clean water. Incredible efforts have been underway over the last week to rescue people from the rubble and provide housing to displaced survivors. Children are in particularly vulnerable positions without their usual support frameworks and will need dedicated attention to psychosocial support and schooling. As the humanitarian response scales up, it is imperative we sustain this outpouring of global support to rebuild these regions together as a global team. With a unified response, we can reduce the toll on families and give them a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”
Serpil, Elif and Ipek researched and vetted non-profit organizations collecting donations, including Turkish Philanthropy Funds and American Turkish Association Houston. They have offered this flyer to post in your area if interested.
In addition, there are several large organizations collecting donations. The following are trusted partners of Texas Children’s.
UNICEF
Global Giving
IFRC
Save the Children
Doctors Without Borders
CARE