A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck southern Turkey near the northern border of Syria on Feb. 6. The quake was followed approximately nine hours later by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake located around 59 miles (95 kilometers) to the southwest. Dozens of large aftershocks have also occurred.

In northwest Syria, 4.1 million people – primarily women and children – already depend on humanitarian assistance. While countries have offered to support Turkey, getting aid to affected Syrians is likely to be more difficult.

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy hosted this webinar to look at the earthquake’s impact on a region already destabilized by one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world. The quake will undoubtedly exacerbate ongoing challenges and preexisting vulnerabilities.

Speakers shared the latest information, including critical needs and gaps, and provide concrete takeaways for funders to effectively support relief and recovery efforts now underway.

During the webinar, we examined the earthquake in the context of the existing complex humanitarian emergency and the communities already dependent on humanitarian assistance as well as regional implications for aid delivery.

At the end of the webinar, donors and grantmakers will:

* Understand the variety of immediate and long-term needs faced by communities in the earthquake-affected area.

* Learn how the current humanitarian crisis affects earthquake response and recovery.

* Increase their knowledge of earthquakes, complex humanitarian emergencies and ways to support recovery efforts effectively.

While primarily aimed at funders, it may also be of interest to academics, humanitarian assistance and NGO staff interested in or working on disasters and other crises.

Alex Gray, CDP director of international funds, will moderate the discussion.

Panelists:

* Thomas Debass, Managing Director of the Office of Global Partnerships, U.S. Department of State

* Sema Genel Karaosmanoğlu, Director, Hayata Destek Derneği / Support to Life, Chair, NEAR Network

* Jason Lacsamana, Director of Programs and Partnerships, St. Joseph Community Partnership Fund.

* Alex Mahoney, Deputy Director for the Office of Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance

This webinar was co-sponsored by Alliance Magazine, Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals, Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose, Council on Foundations, Giving Compass, InterAction, Network of Engaged International Donors and Philanthropy New York.

Photo: The Turkish Humanitarian Aid Brigade, serving in Kahramanmaraş, rescues a young man from the rubble after the earthquake, Feb. 7, 2023. Source: Republic of Türkiye Ministry of National Defence via Twitter

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