Earthquake appeal: Families in Syria have “lost everything”

Many older people and their families across northern Syria and Türkiye lost everything in the recent earthquake and are now facing devastating hardship as they struggle to find relatives and stay warm and safe during the harsh winter.

Mahmoud Muhammad Qazeckli Fakkik, 58, a Syrian father, is facing an excruciating wait to discover which of his family members have survived after the earthquake destroyed parts of his hometown of Jindires in northwest Syria.

Mr Qazeckli Fakkik said the “ground shook” at around 4am last Monday before the roof of his house “came crashing down on my wife and children”.

Mr Fakkik doesn't know which of his family members are still alive after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck last Monday, killing almost 34,000 people, with the death toll set to climb.

Several of Mr Fakkik's cousin's young children were killed in the quake, his wife and children were injured, and the building where his brothers live was destroyed, leaving people trapped under the wreckage; his brother Yousef and his six children are yet to be found.

Older vulnerable people have nothing to protect them from the elements, and some have been without food for days. Mr Fakik said:

“Despite the extreme cold and rain, we were forced to stay outside in the open, in fear of further earthquakes.”

Our local partner, Syrian Expatriate Medical Association (SEMA), was able to act fast and deliver life-saving water, food, blankets, fuel and shelter to thousands of local people. “I am grateful for the help that people have given us, but I have lost everything. I am dependent on food that is given to us, and I am thankful for the water, food, and blankets that arrived today from SEMA,” said Mr Fakkik.

“I wish I could help, but I am old and my health is not good… Today, I went out looking for my neighbour Abu Muhammad. Normally, every morning we sit together and drink coffee and feed the chickens. I don't know if he is alive; I am praying he is safe.”

Will you help older people in Türkiye and Syria?

The death toll is rising by the hour and is expected to increase significantly. Survivors urgently need shelter, medical assistance and food. Your donation could help with aid and support that is tailored to the needs of older people and their families. Please donate today, even a small donation could make a huge difference.