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Türkiye

Türkiye Earthquakes Response: Rapid Needs Assessment Report - February 2023 (Assessment Dates: 17 – 24 February, Location of Assessment: Gaziantep, Kilis and Hatay Provinces)

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Corus International would like to express our gratitude to all those who contributed to this needs assessment report.
First and foremost, we would like to thank the affected communities who generously gave their time and shared their experiences with us. Without their willingness to participate, this report would not have been possible.

We would also like to extend our appreciation to the local authorities and partners who supported our fieldwork and provided valuable insights into the local context. Their expertise and guidance were instrumental in helping us to understand the needs and challenges facing the communities affected by the earthquakes.

We thank the translators who made the interviews and discussions possible, dedicating their time and energy to providing details and information which accurately represent the perspectives of those interviewed.

Furthermore, we would like to acknowledge the dedicated Humanitarian Action team who worked to collect and process the data in a timely manner.

Finally, we would like to thank our donors for their generous support, which made this rapid needs assessment possible. Their commitment to providing urgent humanitarian assistance to those affected by the earthquakes is truly inspiring

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The earthquakes that struck Pazarcık and Elbistan on February 6, 2023, were among the most devastating natural disasters to hit Türkiye in recent memory. The magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 earthquakes were followed by over 9,000 aftershocks, causing catastrophic damage to the southeast region of the country. From damage reports, it is estimated that over 130,000 buildings in the 11 affected areas have fully collapsed or been severely damaged.

As of February 25, 2023, over 44,000 people have lost their lives, and more than half a million citizens have been evacuated from the affected provinces of Kahramanmaraş, Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Diyarbakır, Adana, Adıyaman, Osmaniye, Hatay, Kilis, Malatya, and Elazığ. The earthquakes hit during the winter season, leaving many people without access to basic necessities like shelter, food, water, heaters, and medical care in freezing temperatures.

The UN Flash Appeal for Türkiye Earthquake response estimates that at least 9.1 million people have been directly impacted by the earthquakes in the 11 hardest-hit provinces. The appeal calls for 1 billion USD to support the immediate lifesaving needs of 5.2 million affected people. The earthquakes are the most significant to strike the country’s southeast region in hundreds of years.

The disaster has prompted a massive humanitarian response, with the government, international organizations, and local communities working together to provide emergency relief and support to those affected. Despite these efforts, much work remains to be done to help Türkiye recover from the devastating effects of the earthquakes.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this rapid needs assessment (RNA) is to quickly gather information about the immediate needs of individuals and communities affected by the February 6 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye. The assessment was conducted at the initial stages of the Corus response to provide timely and accurate information to inform the relief efforts.

The primary objectives of this rapid needs assessment were:

  • Determine the immediate needs and gaps of the affected population, such as shelter, food, WASH, protection, MPCA, health.

  • Assess the available resources, capacities, and infrastructure in the affected areas to provide aid and support.
    The findings of this RNA are crucial for informing the development of an effective Corus response plan, allocating resources, and coordinating efforts among different agencies and stakeholders.