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Responding to the Earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria

Visit the Center for International Disaster Information’s Earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria page to find out where you can donate or volunteer.

On February 6, 2023, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck central southern Türkiye, close to the Syrian border, followed by dozens of violent aftershocks. The loss of life and destruction across both countries is astounding, just as the images and stories are heartbreaking.   

The United States immediately responded.  On February 6, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. authorized an immediate U.S. response and directed the heads of federal agencies to rapidly mobilize to assist the Government of Türkiye and humanitarian partners in Syria. 

On February 19, Secretary Blinken announced that we are providing an additional $100 million in humanitarian assistance, bringing total U.S. aid to $185 million. As USAID search and rescue teams continue expanding their search across all hard-hit communities in Adiyaman, we are also planning beyond this initial stage for the long-term needs of the survivors and their communities.   

The people of Türkiye and Syria need shelter, food, medical supplies, and clean water. USAID and our partners are already working to provide this critical support.  The State Department is working through UN agencies and NGOs to provide emergency assistance in Türkiye and in Syria, including providing hot meals, water, medical care and supplies, non-food items such as blankets and hygiene kits, temporary shelter, and structural engineers. 

For those who wish to help those affected by these devastating earthquakes, visit the Center for International Disaster Information’s Earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria page to find out where you can donate or volunteer. 

Individuals in need of immediate, local emergency assistance in Türkiye should call Turkish authorities using the phone number 112.   

U.S. citizens impacted by the earthquake should contact the U.S. Embassy Ankara at Ankara-ACS@state.gov.  U.S. Consular Affairs staff in Türkiye and the United States are working tirelessly to provide consular assistance to U.S. citizen victims and their families in the affected areas.  Information is available to U.S. citizens in the area through alerts, the U.S. embassy and consulate websites, and travel.state.gov

Discover More

U.S. aid to Turkiye and Syria infographic: "In response to the destructive earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, the U.S. will provide $85 million in lifesaving assistance."
Support for the Syrian people following the earthquake infographic: " • Worked with Turkish authorities to ensure operations can resume at Bab al-Hawa crossing for UN-provided cross-border assistance. • Issued a broad General License to provide additional authorizations for disaster relief assistance to the Syrian people. • Affirmed to the Syrian mission to the UN that our humanitarian assistance is available to all Syrians, no matter where they live, and that we are ready to provide more."
Following the February 6 earthquake, the U.S. has provided infographic: "Urban search and rescue teams. • 170,000 pounds of specialized tools and equipment. • U.S. Black Hawk helicopters to support airlift operations of rescue personnel. • Partners on the ground in Syria providing urgent health support."

Dover AFB supports Turkiye earthquake relief effort

Senior Airman Kevin Linder, 436th Aerial Port Squadron passenger service representative, walks to a C-17 Globemaster III on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Feb. 7, 2023. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is mobilizing emergency humanitarian assistance to respond to the devastating impacts following the worst earthquake to hit the region in almost a century. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Marco A. Gomez)

U.S. Department of State

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