Tag: earthquake

One year on: Syria’s children recall life-changing earthquake as Mary’s Meals shines light in darkness

Mary’s Meals continues to support the children of Syria traumatised by ‘a night they will never forget’ and years of civil war

On 6 February 2023, two earthquakes – registering 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude – hit Syria and Turkey, killing many thousands of people and displacing thousands more.

After over a decade of civil war, the people of Syria had to fight again for their survival. Communities, many of them made up of people already displaced by conflict, had very little access to food and shelter. Families lost their loved ones and their 

Within hours of the earthquakes, Mary’s Meals launched an emergency appeal, and thanks to donations from all over the world, the charity’s local partner Dorcas delivered life-saving food aid to 7,000 people every day in Aleppo. Support was also later extended to provide hygiene packs, blankets and counselling services to those affected by the tragedy.

One year on, Syria’s children continue to feel the life-changing impact of the earthquakes.

Kevork is 10 years old, studies in the fifth grade and loves to play basketball with his friends.

He says: “When the earthquake happened, I was sleeping and woke up to the voices of my family and brothers. At first, I did not understand anything. Everything was moving. When it stopped, I felt very afraid.

“I started crying and I ran to my family. When I was on my way to them, the earthquake came again, and I started screaming. Then, my family and I left the house. It was 4:30 in the morning, and it was pitch dark, cold and rainy. I will never forget this night.”

Hamza is nine years old and studies in the fourth grade. He is passionate about life, loves learning and loves helping others.

He says: “My five brothers and I felt very afraid. We moved to the park when the earthquake happened. It was pitch black, there was no electricity, and it was raining … everyone was afraid.

“We returned home two hours later and I slept, but at one o’clock in the afternoon, the earthquake repeated, and here it became much worse. I did not want to return to the house for fear of its destruction.

“My school was closed. I missed my friends and playing with them, and I missed my lessons. My life has changed a lot since the earthquake.”

Mary’s Meals has been working in Aleppo since 2017, feeding more than 4,000 children every school day. Working with Dorcas, the charity serves nutritious meals at school, attracting children to the classroom, many of whom are still experiencing the symptoms of trauma caused by almost 13 years of civil war.

Jessi, 26, has been part of the Dorcas team since 2019. After the earthquake struck at 4.20am, Jessi and her colleagues responded immediately, providing food, drink and shelter for desperate families.

Fuelled by the support of the emergency appeal, Mary’s Meals and Dorcas were able to shine a light in the darkness for those enduring immense suffering in Syria.

Jessi says: “After overcoming the immediate shock, the most important thing for us was providing food and drink for families, and then to try to restore their homes or search for other places to be homed.

“A large number of individuals were affected and no-one had any food, so it made a big difference in meeting the needs during the crisis.

“Children ran to our doors to receive food. There were elderly people who thanked us, especially those who had a disability and were unable to move and meet their own needs.

“I cannot describe my feeling of joy when we were sitting in a circle with the children and sandwiches were being distributed to them and they were eating them with enjoyment, joy, and laughter.

“We cannot forget the psychological factor that all children, men and women experienced, and the elderly. Even now, the psychological effects are clear to everyone.”

Kevork says: “The school was closed after the earthquake for about two months. I missed school, especially my friends and seeing them. I prayed every day for this to end. I love math and playing with my friends.”

The economic situation the residents of Aleppo are experiencing remains very difficult. Many families only have bread because they live on aid only and there is no income sufficient to meet their needs for food. So, all the children wait for food from Mary’s Meals.

Sometimes the children are asked why they didn’t eat their sandwich, and the answer is that they will share it with their siblings at home because they don’t have food.

Although many families still rely on support to help meet their basic needs, Mary’s Meals is helping to restore stability and giving children in Syria hope and the chance to dream of a brighter future.

Hamza says: “Most children cannot bring food with them to school. When I get a sandwich at school, I feel happy and full, which helps me focus more, and I’m happy to share food with my friends.

“In future, I would like to become a pilot because I love flying so much. I would like to one day fly and visit Turkey.”

In a country where more than 2 million children remain out of school and more than a quarter of children under five years old suffer chronic malnutrition, Mary’s Meals’ school feeding programme is more important than ever.

Help feed more children like Kevork and Hamza around the world by donating today: www.marysmeals.org.uk/

UK development minister visits Turkey-Syria earthquake response

  • First trip by UK Minister to Turkey since devastating earthquakes to witness first-hand impact of UK aid, helping those affected in Turkey and Syria.
  • Follows major new UK aid package on 15 February in response to needs on the ground in both Turkey and Syria.
  • Minister toured a UK-led Field Hospital in Türkoğlu to thank UK medical staff for providing lifesaving care alongside Turkish medics, and met UK-aid-funded White Helmets (Syrian Civil Defence) to discuss what is needed in the next stage of the response

As the UK continues to play a leading role in the global response to the devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, UK Development Minister Andrew Mitchell travelled to southern Turkey yesterday (Sunday 19 February) to see the response first-hand.

He witnessed the work of UK medical and aid teams supporting the Turkish authorities, Syrian organisations, UN and other aid organisations to coordinate the emergency response in both Turkey and Syria.

In Türkoğlu he toured a joint MoD-FCDO Field Hospital staffed by UK-Med and MoD personnel with an emergency room and 24/7 operating centre providing lifesaving care and thanked UK medical staff working side-by-side with Turkish medics.

He also met the White Helmets and Syrian Women’s groups as well as the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) member charity, Care International, the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and UN agencies to hear first-hand about their relief efforts in Turkey and Syria and understand what more needs to be done as the crisis moves from rescue to recovery.

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Development Minister Andrew Mitchell said: “We have been working since day one of this terrible earthquake to help coordinate the emergency response in both Turkey and Syria and provide life-saving support to those who need it.

“As this evolving situation heads into a new phase from rescue to recovery, I’ve seen first-hand the incredible efforts on the ground at the field hospital, with UK medical teams providing live-saving operations, including to those rescued from under the rubble.

“The British public’s response to the Disasters and Emergency Committee appeal, which has now reached a staggering £88 million, underlines the strong support from the UK for rescue and recovery following this tragic event.

“I have seen and heard today how this extraordinary generosity has enabled British expertise, charities and NGOs to scale up their support and make a real difference to the people of Turkey and Syria.”

The UK match funded the first £5 million of public donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Turkey-Syria Earthquake appeal providing immediate life-saving support to hardest-hit areas, thanks to the compassion and generosity of the British public.

The visit follows a further £25 million major UK package of support on 15 February, with the UK responding to needs on the ground in Turkey and in Syria in line with requests from the Turkish authorities, the UN and aid agencies.

The UK also sent a team of 77 search and rescue experts with specialist equipment, as well as four rescue dogs, who worked day and night to help people affected by the earthquake. The UK-aid-funded White Helmets (Syria Civil Defence) mobilised a significant search and rescue effort and the UK mobilised an additional £4.3 million to the White Helmets in support of this.

As we move from rescue to recovery, the UK is continuing to send urgent relief supplies to Turkey and Syria such as tents and blankets to help survivors cope with the freezing conditions.

We are working closely with the UN to maintain the swift delivery of these supplies across the Turkish border into north-west Syria.

Christian Atsu: A statement from Arms Around The Child

“He will live in our memories as one of the kindest, most talented, humble people to enter this world…”

Following the news that the body of Christian Atsu’s body has been recovered in Turkey, Arms Around The Child (AATC) , have today issued a statement: 

Christian was an ambassador for the AATC helping to build schools in Senya, Ghana and visited the children and projects several times.

Paying tribute to Christian a spokesman for the charity said yeaterday (SUNDAY FEB 19): “It is with immense pain and disbelief that we have to write these words. We have held onto the hope that Christian would survive and be found in the rubble of the tragic earthquake to hit Turkey and Syria.

Like the many friends, families and people impacted by this disaster, we are still struggling to accept what has happened and feel tremendous sadness at the devastating loss of life. We empathise with all those grieving for their lost ones. Our deepest condolences are with Christian’s family, wife, children and many friends and lives that he touched.

“Christian Atsu was a truly unique and wonderful man, and his legacy will live on through the many hundreds if not thousands of lives he has helped. He will live in our memories as one of the kindest, most talented, humble people to enter this world. A young boy from poverty in Ghana who followed his dreams had an incredibly successful footballing career and used his talent and platform to help others.

“Arms Around The Child were fortunate to have known Christian and will treasure his support for the children we look after, especially the children in Senya Beraku where Christian was building a school in the local community. Christian believed in giving children a brighter future and the opportunity to succeed.

“He never forgot his own roots and didn’t want to see any more children abused, imprisoned, affected by HIV, trafficked or sold. He was determined to use his prominence as a footballer to prevent this. He had also been supporting The Crime Check Foundation in Ghana with their work paying fines for petty crimes which had resulted in incarceration, and helping people reintegrate into society and get back on their feet.

“Christian has been the global ambassador for Arms Around The Child since 2016. During that time, he visited the children at our home in Senya Beraku, Ghana on many occasions. He regularly organised for gifts and football equipment to be sent to the home and developed a very close relationship with the kids. 

“In 2018 Christian and Arms Around The Child launched a campaign to build a new school in Senya to benefit orphaned children and the local community. Together Arms Around The Child and Christian organized the Black Star Gala, a special fundraising event at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead, Newcastle, to kickstart the fundraising effort for a new school.

“Whenever Christian visited Senya, the children and the community were always so happy to see him. They would welcome him like a hero, but also like a father, uncle or brother as everyone felt such a close affection for him. He greeted everyone with smiles and hugs, making each individual, child and adult, feel important and that they could dream and succeed in life. Christian loved the children and would always throw his shoes off to play barefoot football with them, something he loved to do whenever he visited. 

“The children looked up to him, he showed them that they can have dreams for a better future and that through education, dreams can be achieved. This is why Christian was so passionate about building a school, he believed in education for all, especially as a way to solve problems and give kids a brighter future.

“Christian was the main benefactor of the new school buildings in Senya. He always wanted to know how the children were doing and we would regularly update him on the progress of the school, which after years of building is finally nearing completion. 

“On Saturday 4th Feb 2023, just one day before his final game in which he scored a last-minute winning goal, he responded ‘Thank you for the update. I will arrange some money so that we will be able to complete it fast, I am very happy with the progress. Later in the day, he emailed again to say that he would come to open the school in June and bring his Black Star friends. 

This was our last correspondence with Christian; as always, he was thinking about the children and what he could do to help others.

Director of one of the homes Christian supported, in Senya, Beraku, Seth Asiedu said: “Our hearts are broken by the news regarding our beloved bro, Christian Atsu. We always felt the impact of his presence and were soaked with joy any time he visited us.

“The happiness he brought to so many will leave a painful void, but we will always remember his kind heart and his beaming, infectious and joyful smile. Thank you Christian, we love you.”

Mary’s Meals launches emergency appeal to help vulnerable children in Syria

Mary’s Meals is helping communities affected by this week’s devastating earthquakes

MARY’S Meals have launched an emergency appeal to deliver much-needed food aid to children in Syria, following two earthquakes on Monday, 6 February. 

We have been  working in the city of Aleppo since 2017. With our local partner Dorcas, we usually serve nutritious meals to children at school – many of whom are experiencing trauma caused by more than a decade of civil war.  

Daniel Adams, executive director of Mary’s Meals, says: “The updates we are receiving from our partner on the ground are simply heart-breaking. After more than a decade of civil war, Syria has been plunged into this new crisis. Many people have lost their loved ones and their homes, and they have very little access to food and shelter. They now face yet another a fight for survival. 

“Conditions in and around Aleppo are very difficult – roads have been destroyed, and our partner organisation has seen heavy damage to its buildings. Despite these challenges, we are already reaching many children with essential food supplies.” 

Mary’s Meals serve school meals in some of the world’s poorest countries. The promise of food attracts hungry children into the classroom, giving them the energy to learn and hope for a better future.  

In addition to this important work, the charity provide effective, expert support through emergencies – including delivering food aid to thousands of people affected by Ebola in Liberia and supporting communities impacted by the earthquake in Haiti in 2021.  

Daniel continues: “With our partner, we are working around the clock to feed hungry children in Aleppo. But there’s so much more we can do to help the communities that have been devastated by these earthquakes – and we stand ready to expand our emergency response as funds allow. 

“Time and time again, we have seen people across the UK give generously to help those facing desperate and frightening situations. I urge you to give what you can today – no donation is too small – so that we can bring hope to the people of Aleppo.”

Please donate today if you can.

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Earthquake: UK responds to Türkey’s request for assistance

UK deploys emergency response teams to the Republic of Türkiye to assist rescue efforts

  • seventy six UK search and rescue specialists, 4 search dogs and rescue equipment arrived in Türkiye last night
  • UK is also sending an Emergency Medical Team to assess the situation on the ground
  • UK is in contact with the UN on emergency humanitarian support to those affected in Syria

The UK will immediately deploy emergency response teams to Türkiye to assist rescue efforts.

The government is deploying a team of experts to help on the ground in Türkiye following the 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “The UK is sending immediate support to Türkiye including a team of 76 search and rescue specialists, equipment and rescue dogs.

“In Syria, the UK-funded White Helmets have mobilised their resources to respond. We stand ready to provide further support as needed.”

Jill Morris, British Ambassador-Designate to Türkiye, said: “The British Embassy in Ankara is in close contact with the Turkish authorities to understand how we can best support those on the ground.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by the earthquakes today. We pay tribute to the brave Turkish first responders working to save lives.”

The UK is providing support that the Turkish government have asked for. The UK International Search and Rescue team have specialist search equipment including seismic listening devices, concrete cutting and breaking equipment, propping and shoring tools.

In north-west Syria, the UK-aid funded White Helmets have activated a significant search and rescue response and mobilised all their resources to respond to emerging needs.

The government is in contact with British humanitarian workers in the affected areas, and we stand ready to provide support to any British nationals affected. 

Anyone in Turkey and in need of urgent help should call +90 312 455 3344.

Anyone in the UK concerned about relatives or friends should call the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on 020 7008 5000.

UPDATE

  • Plane carrying a team of 77 UK search and rescue specialists, equipment and four search dogs arrived in Gaziantep today
  • UK’s world-class specialist skills and state-of-the-art search equipment will help locate survivors in the rubble of the earthquakes
  • British Embassy in Ankara and consulates lower their flags to half-mast as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives

Today (Tuesday 7 February) a UK team of 77 search and rescue specialists, 4 search dogs and rescue equipment arrived in Gaziantep in south east Turkey to join the emergency response.

An Emergency Medical Team were also on the flight. They will conduct a full assessment of the situation on the ground.

The UK government is immediately providing the support requested by the Turkish government. The UK will continue to assess the situation and stands ready to provide further long-term assistance as needed.

The UK International Search and Rescue team is made up of firefighters and staff from 14 fire and rescue services from across the country, including experts from England, Scotland and Wales. They will be using specialist search equipment including:

  • Seismic listening devices;
  • Concrete cutting and breaking equipment; and
  • Propping and shoring tools.

Their world-class specialist skills and state-of-the-art heavy duty equipment will allow the UK team to cut their way into buildings and locate survivors in the rubble during this vital time.

The team is self-sufficient upon arrival and provides its own food, water, shelter, sanitation, communications and all necessary equipment to undertake search and rescue operations.

In solidarity with the Turkish people, the British Embassy in Ankara and Consulates across Turkey have lowered their flags to half-mast for the 7-day national mourning period declared by the Turkish government.

In north-west Syria, the UK-funded White Helmets continue to carry out a significant search and rescue response and have mobilised all their resources to respond to emerging needs. The UK has given the White Helmets £2.25 million in the last year and an additional funding uplift of £800,000 for front line search and rescue operations.