ShelterBox, a project partner organisation with Rotary International, is working in Turkiye and Syria.
Rotary itself is not a first-responder organisation but it stands beside those who are, using its local knowledge and contacts to assist, whether it is for floods, bushfires or droughts in Australia or natural disasters overseas.
This time last year, Northern Beaches Rotary was assisting those affected by the Tongan volcano, now attention has turned to Turkey and Northern Syria.
Since February 6th when the first powerful earthquake hit, building collapses and other causes have killed more than 46,000 people. More than 160,000 buildings have been flattened or severely damaged. Homes have been destroyed or left unsafe and people have little choice but to sleep in the open in fear of more aftershocks. It is estimated more than 2 million people are homeless in Turkiye and more than 80,000 in Syria.
Temperatures can drop below freezing at this time of year in the affected areas and this will put lives at risk. There was snowfall and heavy rain in the region before the earthquakes struck and this is likely to increase the humanitarian need in the region.
ShelterBox is working with Rotary contacts in Turkey and existing partners in Syria, finding out exactly what is needed and getting the aid to where it is needed.
ShelterBox aid arrived in Türkiye with hundreds of tents on a free flight provided by Turkish Airlines from Panama and Belgium– where stock was pre-positioned.
Stocks of tents and household items, such as blankets and mattresses have been delivered to northern Syria. Distribution of warm winter clothing to affected children in that area has begun through another existing partner.
Additional ShelterBox response team members have arrived in Gaziantep (Turkiye), where a humanitarian hub has been set up. Having an extra team on the ground means they can be more agile and work more closely with partners as the response is scaled up.
Of course, financial donations are needed, go to ShelterBox.org.au
Rotary itself is not a first-responder organisation but it stands beside those who are, using its local knowledge and contacts to assist.
Rotary Clubs on the Northern Beaches have ongoing projects in Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, Cambodia, Fiji, Bangladesh, Nepal and many other countries as well as working locally on a range of projects.
For more information, contact northernbeachesrotary@gmail.com
