Dear Supporter, Like many of you, I am closely following the situation in Türkiye and Syria, where more than 4,000 people* are dead after two massive earthquakes. The earthquakes struck near the Turkish city of Gaziantep, close to the Syrian border. People in areas as far away as Lebanon felt the tremors. In Syria, UNHCR teams are already distributing supplies to survivors, including thermal blankets and mattresses, but we need your help to cover the immense need. Severe damage to roads, telecommunications and other infrastructure is hindering search and rescue efforts in both countries.
Refugees and displaced people are among the most vulnerable in the aftermath of these quakes. Türkiye hosts the world’s largest refugee population – many living in Gaziantep – while Syrians have endured almost 12 years of conflict. At the same time, the region is experiencing a severe winter, with snow and icy winds affecting the response. Conditions are expected to worsen today and tomorrow. Supporter, we can’t leave earthquake survivors out in the cold. Your gift can provide life-saving supplies to families who’ve lost everything. I will write again as soon as I have more information from UNHCR colleagues on the ground. Thank you for your support,
Trudi Mitchell CEO *Accurate at the time this email was sent
