06.02.2024
One year ago, on 6 February 2023, violent earthquakes struck southern Turkey and northern Syria, killing more than 50,000 people and bringing colossal destruction to both countries. This disaster, the worst to hit the region in a century, exacerbated the precarious situation of Syrian communities already battered by 12 years of conflict.
Faced with the sheer scale of the disaster, the response in Switzerland was exemplary and resulted in donations totalling more than CHF 32 million. In the days immediately following the earthquakes, our Swiss partner NGOs delivered emergency aid on the ground, and over the months that followed, they continued to distribute drinking water, food, hygiene kits, shelters, blankets and heating stoves. SwS’s partner NGOs also provided psychosocial support and set up mobile clinics to provide healthcare services. They helped repair buildings and vital infrastructure, including drinking water supply systems. In 2023, Swiss Solidarity committed a total of over CHF 13 million to more than 20 projects.
On site, the images of destruction are still very present, even if, after a year, clearance work has progressed in many places. Many people are suffering from trauma and are finding it difficult to resume their normal lives. The help we provide through our partner organisations makes all the difference.Ernst Lueber
The humanitarian needs persist to this day and many families are still living in unsafe shelters. In particular, survivors face challenges in accessing drinking water and healthcare. As the crisis endures, new issues are arising, including a lack of access to the labour market and education. Rebuilding will take years, if not decades. Swiss Solidarity is therefore continuing with its solidarity campaign, stressing that donations remain essential to helping those affected by the crisis to live in dignity once again. Donations can still be made.
Swiss Solidarity, 1211 Geneva 8
Your donation is tax deductible in Switzerland.
