WORLD
THE DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKES that hit Turkey and Syria on Feb. 6 struck the heart of the displaced Syrian community on both sides of the border—dramatically affecting one of the most vulnerable populations in the world. Some 4 million Syrians who rely on immediate humanitarian aid live in the region, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
More than 41,000 people had died as of Feb. 15, and the affected area of Syria was already confronting a cholera outbreak. Harsh weather makes the situation worse: many buildings that were left standing are damaged and in danger of collapse, meaning people can’t go home even if they have one to return to.
Turkey is the world’s biggest refugee host country, with about 3.6 million Syrian refugees living within its borders, many in southeastern Turkey near the epicenter of the earthquakes.
AlBaraa Haddad, a 27-year-old Syrian living in Turkey and currently in Antakya, says rescue aid was scarce in the immediate aftermath. “You could hear people who were still alive under the rubble, trying to scream and say they were alive, but there was absolutely no one helping at that moment,” Haddad tells TIME.
In major disasters like earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, experts say the best way to help people is by sending money to relief groups, instead of sending goods. “Cash allows us to not only be faster,” says Patricia McIlreavy, president and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, “but it allows those who are helping these communities be adaptable to what the community needs.” —SOLCYRÉ BURGA
Aid groups on the ground
THE WHITE HELMETS
A volunteer group that operates in Syria, especially in territory not under government control. Rescuers need supplies to provide relief to survivors left homeless by the earthquake.
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS
Medical teams are on the ground providing immediate emergency support in northwestern Syria, as well as blankets and relief kits for survivors.
SYRIAN AMERICAN MEDICAL SOCIETY
A relief organization that
