Early 6 February 2023, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake occurred at 4:17 a.m. in south-central Türkiye near the Syrian border. After the main earthquake, a 7.5-magnitude aftershock occurred at 1:24 p.m. at the northeast point of Türkiye.
Specifically, the AFAD (Türkiye Disaster Management Agency) announced that the cumulative death toll as of the 24th was 44,200. Also, Syrian authorities announced that the death toll was more than 5,900. About 530,000 Türkish people were evacuated from the affected areas. Likewise, more than 100,000 people have also been displaced in Syria. At least 1.25 million people displaced lost their homes.
This Türkiye-Syrian earthquake is the sixth-largest disaster in 21st-century history. Therefore, people worldwide are giving warm help to those in Türkiye. The Korea Overseas Emergency Relief Team (KDRT) dispatched 118 emergency relief teams consisting of special forces and firefighters to support the earthquake in Türkiye on the 7th. In addition, celebrities and ordinary people continued to donate to Türkiye.
Donations for Türkiye can be made in various ways. First, the list of items needed at the Embassy of Türkiye in Korea is winter clothes, daily necessities, food, hygiene products, etc. To donate these items, write the kind of item and ‘Aid Material / Türkiye’ on the box after packing. The box containing the items can be delivered to ‘Eagle Comprehensive Logistics’ which cooperates with Türkish Airlines or sent to the Embassy of Türkiye in Korea.
However, the donation of these goods was stopped on February 21 because the storage warehouse was full. Donations of goods have not been completely suspended, and housing containers, mobile toilets, mobile bathrooms, tents, beds, blankets, and cash support are still being received. However, used products are not accepted for donation.
To donate money, raise funds through the official account of Türkiye. In addition, through platforms such as Naver Happy Bean and Kakao Together (Gachigachi), you can select and donate through various relief organizations. The Yeungnam Observer donated to Save the Children through Naver Happy Bean. The Observer reporter who participated in the donation replied, “I am happy to help Türkiye in a simple way, and I hope Türkiye finds peace soon.” Three cups of coffee we drink can be five blankets in Türkiye. Let's all offer a helping hand for the reconstruction of Türkiye.
