The Present Crisis & Response
2.1 The facts
On 17 August at 03h02 local time a massive earthquake measuring between 7.4 and 7.8 on the Richter scale and lasting 45 seconds hit northern-western Turkey. Hundreds of aftershocks have since been reported, some exceeding five on the Richter scale. Izmit, an industrial city of one million in western Turkey, was nearest the epicenter. But the force of the tremor was felt as far away as Ankara, the capital, some 500-km to the east, and across parts of the Balkans.
At present (IFRC figures):
- Total death toll 15,756 (as of 28.9.99)
- Number of reported injured stands at 24,940
- Number of homes collapsed or heavily damaged 66,441
- Number of homes with medium or light levels of damage 147,402
- 30,400 businesses either collapsed or damaged
- 88,190 households qualify for new housing
Islamic Relief's Response
19th August - 4th October 1999
The first Islamic Relief representative arrived in the earthquake hit area on the 19th August. They carried out a needs assessment in Adapzari, one of the worst hit areas and where more than 3000 were killed, 5081 were injured and thousands more missing. The needs assessment concluded the following items were urgently needed, tents, hygiene packs, food for children, blankets and clothes.
3.1 Distribution so far:
- 350 tents from Sweden have arrived but yet to be distributed, worth $105,000
- 1105 Hygiene packs worth approximately $10,000
- 350 blankets worth approximately $1750
- Clothes, Baby food, Canned food, Powdered milk and hygiene items. (no figures available)
- 4 water fridge's, valued at 16,254
- 50 boxes of medical supplies valued at $43,344
- A consignment of nappies and baby food valued at over $8,000
3.2 Other items to be transported and distributed in Adapzari:
- 70,000 sachets of nutritional food children, worth $109,090, donated by IR Belgium
- 445 new blankets also from IR Belgium worth $11,558
- 56 new blankets from Holland worth approximately $2036
- A consignment of hygiene materials coming from Germany worth over $20,000
3.3 Other Project Activities
- Islamic Relief representatives have been working hard at establishing a partnership with the Turkish Red Crescent
- An agreement is imminent on co-operation with the TRC on working together to establish a 1000-strong tent city in Adapzari
- The 350 tents donated from Sweden will be utilitsed in the tent city
- Plastic sheeting is currently being sourced in Turkey so as to make the tents winterised thus making them habitable for the whole of the coming winter
- Other items will be purchased as and when the tent city is established and needs can be ascertained