Earthquake in the Philippines
Philippines
On 6 February 2023, a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria, soon followed by a second major earthquake and a series of strong aftershocks. The disaster killed more than 56,000 people and displaced millions, making it one of the most devastating earthquakes in recent decades.
As part of the GEM Network, GEM Europe was one of the first units deployed in the region. During the crucial first three months, our team led the emergency response on the ground, reaching out to populations affected by the tragedy in both Turkey and Syria.
Working from a 2 600 m² warehouse in Mersin, our team managed the dispatch of tens of thousands of family first aid kits to 226 affected towns and communities. These kits included essential food, water, hygiene items and emergency shelter supplies.
We used both TIRs and smaller vans in our operations, which enabled us to reach the various villages and temporary camps quickly, and the involvement of local volunteers who knew the area and the needs of the community well. This allowed us to plan distribution more effectively and reach those most in need.
In addition to basic humanitarian aid, we also provided support to children who had lost their homes and were continuing their education in the field schools in tents. Thanks to donors, we were able to equip them with new clothes and shoes. Our volunteers and partners regularly visited both schools and tent cities in order to reach as many needy families as possible.
A key element of the mission was working closely with our local partner organisation ANDA Derneği. ANDA is a well-established Turkish NGO that relies on a network of volunteers. It specialises in rapid emergency response, search and rescue operations, support for children and families affected by disasters and long-term community projects. The organisation also runs orphanages and support centres for unaccompanied children.
Thanks to our partnership with ANDA, we were able to reach not only those affected in Turkey, but also to cross the border and deliver aid to Syria, where ANDA has been running child and youth care programmes and supporting local communities affected by the war for years.
Following the initial response phase, GEM Europe, in collaboration with the Global Empowerment Mission, supported and coordinated the establishment of a new regional office - the GEM MENA (Middle East and North Africa). This ensured continuity of action and laid the foundation for long-term support in the region.
Over the course of the mission, a total of 45,028 packages to those in need.
This mission is a testament to the strength and adaptability of the GEM Network, where international cooperation and shared resources enable rapid, effective and sustainable humanitarian action.
See us in action ->
Twoje wsparcie finansuje pomoc w nagłych wypadkach, logistykę i długoterminową odbudowę dla społeczności w kryzysie. Dzięki minimalnym kosztom ogólnym i wstępnie zaopatrzonemu systemowi dostaw sprawiamy, że każda kwota się liczy — dostarczając realną pomoc tam, gdzie i kiedy jest ona najważniejsza.
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