Emergency Response

The Deadliest Earthquake in Two Decades

On February 6, two powerful earthquakes erupted across Türkiye and Syria. One of the deadliest earthquakes in over 20 years, the initial 7.8 magnitude earthquake was centered near Gaziantep, a city in south central Türkiye home to millions of Syrian refugees. The second 7.5 magnitude earthquake was felt nearly nine hours later, and almost 2,000 aftershocks have been reported. As of now, over 40,000 people have died, nearly 80,000 more have been injured, and 6,000 buildings have been destroyed – and numbers are only expected to rise. About 80,000 rescue personnel have been deployed, working in near-freezing temperatures searching for survivors among the rubble.

Islamic Relief is working with local partners across Türkiye and Syria to distribute emergency relief. In Türkiye, families are receiving food aid, hygiene kits, blankets, and cash assistance to help pay for any other immediate needs. In Syria, families are being provided with food aid; access to water, sanitation, and hygiene; and other emergency items such as blankets, mattresses, tents, and heating materials. And in coming months, we plan to focus on long-term development aid. Join us and help support your brothers and sisters across Türkiye and Syria in their time of need.

Focus on Supporting Survivors

Islamic Relief’s global family and partnerships—including local staff in more than three dozen countries—maximize IRUSA’s ability to respond to urgent situations with speed and efficiency. We also maintain the highest standards of best practices, dignity, and cultural sensitivity, and we make sure that our response aligns with survivors’ needs immediately, for the longer-term, or both!

IRUSA’s emergency aid efforts can include distribution of items such as food, water, financial aid, and more. Construction of temporary shelters and providing vital medical aid are often priorities too. And when applicable, we work with community groups on the ground to assess what we can do to help with longer-term recovery, rebuilding, and revitalization efforts.

In the United States specifically, IRUSA’s Disaster Response Team (DRT) serve as first responders for emergencies. From natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires to tragedies like the Pulse and Parkland shootings, the DRT team continues to be one of the first humanitarian teams nationwide to lend a helping hand to people in their most trying hours.

Past Emergencies this year:

Heavy Flooding Hits Kosovo

January has brought heavy rains to Kosovo, resulting in flooding across major cities – some have reached a state of emergency. Nearly 700 homes have been destroyed and there’s been a major shortage of clean drinking water. Islamic Relief is on the ground working with local partners to distribute emergency aid including food, hygiene kits, and clothing. Once immediate needs are met, we plan to focus on long-term development including home reconstruction.

We Need YOUR Help

Read below to learn more about our latest emergency responses and how you can help survivors.

PLEASE NOTE: Donations made to IRUSA’s Global Emergency Response fund may serve urgent anywhere across the world.