On 6, February 2023, A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and northern Syria, followed by at least 30 aftershocks, resulting in the most powerful earthquake ever felt in the region since 1939. As of 5 March 2023, more than 52,700 deaths were confirmed: more than 45,900 in Turkey, and more than 6,700 in Syria. Close to 3000 buildings were damaged and/or destroyed, resulting in over US$90 billion in damage, and 23 Million people affected!

The initial earthquake, felt as far as Cyprus and Egypt, is reported to have been the strongest to hit the region in more than 100 years, with earthquakes of this magnitude being quite rare to occur anywhere in the world. Thousands of families and individuals, many of whom are refugees, have nowhere to go as they try to survive in the cold with none of their belongings or necessities of life.

ICNA Relief Canada is currently on the ground working with our Partners to distribute food, water, shelter, medical aid, and other basic necessities to those affected by the earthquakes. We have already committed over $1Million of your generous donations through our Emergency & Disaster Relief Program to bring ease to those suffering. Please continue to support our relief efforts as we move towards long-term sustainable aid in affected regions.