A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey on February 6, the most powerful earthquake recorded since 1939. At least 78 aftershocks were reported, followed by a second earthquake of 7.5 magnitude. Tens of thousands of people were killed. The earthquake also heavily impacted northwest Syria, where 4.1 million people depend on humanitarian assistance.
UMCOR awarded initial emergency grants to longstanding partners International Blue Crescent (IBC) and Forum for Development Culture and Dialogue (working in Syria) to help provide tents, heaters, blankets, warm clothes, ready-to-eat meals and first aid kits to those who have been displaced. UMCOR then awarded a relief grant to International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) to support approximately 300 displaced households in Aleppo, Hama, and Lattakia governorates, Syria, with family hygiene kits, food and rent assistance.
