Three Devastating Minutes That Still Have an Impact Today

This week, we commemorate the tragic earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria 2 years ago. ADRA Germany has shared the following press release:

On 6 February 2023, devastating earthquakes struck southeastern Turkey and northern Syria. This was the deadliest quake since the disaster in Haiti in 2010. A tragedy lasting mere minutes, but with catastrophic consequences that continue to affect lives today. ADRA Germany e.V. has been one of the relief organisations providing assistance in Syria from the earliest hours. What has been achieved so far, and what still needs to be done?

Weiterstadt, 4 February 2025
Seventy-five seconds – that is how long the initial earthquake lasted, which, with a magnitude of 7.8, devastated southeastern Turkey and northern Syria on 6 February 2023. Just hours later, another massive earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 struck, lasting “only” 60 to 90 seconds. In less than three minutes, over 62,000 lives were lost, and more than 125,000 were injured. This was followed by a series of smaller aftershocks. On 20 and 27 February, additional major quakes with magnitudes between 5.5 and 6.8 shook the region.

Tens of thousands of buildings were destroyed, including homes, schools, and hospitals. In addition to the fatalities and injuries, many people were left homeless. Infrastructure such as energy supplies, water and sewage systems, and roads were also severely damaged. The United Nations estimates the total damage at a staggering $100 billion.

For over 11 years, ADRA has been supporting the people of Syria, a country ravaged by civil war, through various projects. Following the earthquake, immediate relief efforts began. ADRA was active in Turkey and Syria, particularly in the regions of Latakia, Aleppo, and Hama. Those affected received aid packages containing hygiene products, baby diapers, warm clothing, mattresses, and blankets. In five collective shelters, ADRA provided cleaning supplies to improve hygiene. Efforts to repair the drinking water supply also began. Through its “Cash for Work” programme, ADRA supported volunteers in shelters, allowing them to earn an income while helping others, enabling quicker recovery and self-reliance.

ADRA Projects for Rebuilding in Syria

In addition to emergency relief in Syria and Turkey, efforts have shifted to reconstruction, with a focus on Syria. This will remain a long-term endeavour. Since the beginning, ADRA Germany e.V. has been helping Syrians return to daily life after the disaster. The challenging political situation and conflicts in the region complicate this work. Over the past two years, ADRA Germany e.V. has implemented numerous projects to provide sustainable support for those affected in Syria:

• Restoration of Housing: In partnership with local organisations, ADRA financed the repair of destroyed or damaged homes, providing families with safe shelter.
• Repairing Water and Sewage Systems: Damaged water pipelines were restored, and new water access points were built to ensure access to clean drinking water.
• Psychosocial Support: ADRA offers psychological care for traumatised survivors, especially children and adolescents.
• Distribution of Aid Supplies: In the months following the disaster, food packages, clothing, and hygiene items were distributed.

These measures not only address the immediate consequences of the earthquake but also aim to create long-term opportunities for the affected population. This work is made possible by donations from Germany – a testament to the solidarity shown with the Syrian people. Between February 2023 and January 2025, ADRA was able to support over 104,000 people in Syria and 1,600 in Turkey.

Current Focus: Rebuilding Education

One ongoing project focuses on stabilising the education system in Syria. Many schools in affected areas were damaged, and the disruption in schooling has caused significant learning setbacks. ADRA offers remedial programmes for middle and high school students to catch up on missed lessons. Teachers are trained in modern, interactive teaching methods, while lost school supplies, such as books, notebooks, and backpacks, are replaced. Damaged schools are repaired and equipped with new furniture to provide children with a safe learning environment once more. Alongside these efforts, psychosocial support is provided to help process traumatic experiences. These initiatives benefit approximately 25,000 children, offering them hope for a better future.

Upcoming Projects

Reconstruction in Syria continues. In collaboration with partner organisations, ADRA is advancing projects in education and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene). New funding applications are in preparation. With your support under the keyword “Disaster Relief,” hope can be restored for the people of Syria. Your contributions help provide clean drinking water, food, hygiene items, and shelter, while also restoring schools and rebuilding the education sector. In the long term, these efforts will assist in the recovery of devastated areas. Donations can be made via the donation account IBAN DE36 3702 0500 0007 7040 00 or at adra.de/spenden.”