Project HOPE has Deployed Emergency Teams in Response to the Deadly Earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria
Deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria have killed thousands with complex rescue efforts underway.
Washington, DC (6 February 2023) – Project HOPE – the global health and humanitarian aid organization – has deployed emergency response teams in response to the deadly back-to-back 7.8 and 7.7 magnitude earthquakes that struck in central Türkiye and Northwest Syria in the early morning hours. The death toll is already in the thousands, and we expect the numbers to rise. Project HOPE has staff on-the-ground with additional teams en route as we continue coordinating with partners to respond to the most urgent needs.
“The earthquakes that struck Türkiye and Syria this morning have already claimed thousands of lives and we anticipate a very arduous and long road to recovery ahead, including search and rescue efforts, health system reconstruction, and mass displacement,” said Rabih Torbay, Project HOPE’s President and CEO. “As temperatures hover near freezing and airport closures and snowstorms delay access, Project HOPE has deployed an emergency response effort and is working with local and international partners to respond to the immediate needs.”
In Türkiye, there have already been reports of more than 1,400 people killed, 8,500 injured, and 2,834 buildings damaged. In Syria, already wrecked by more than 11 years of civil war, reportedly more than 326 people have been killed and 1,042 injured. In the Syrian rebel-held northwest, rescuers said 221 people had died. The death tolls in both countries are expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue.
Learn more about Project HOPE’s response to the Türkiye-Syria earthquakes here. Access images here.
Interviews with emergency response experts available upon request. For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact: Courtney Ridgway at media@ProjectHOPE.org.
About Project HOPE
Founded in 1958, Project HOPE is a leading global health and humanitarian organization operating in more than 25 countries around the world. We work side-by-side with local health systems to save lives and improve health. Our mission is at the epicenter of today’s greatest health challenges, including infectious and chronic diseases, disasters and health crises, maternal, neonatal and child health and the policies that impact how health care is delivered. For more information on Project HOPE and its work around the world, visit www.ProjectHOPE.org and follow us on Twitter @ProjectHOPEorg.