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In the early hours of Monday 6 February 2023, a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Turkey’s border with northern Syria. The scale of the devastation remains unclear. But we know that the earthquake has already killed more than 22,000 people, injured hundreds more and destroyed thousands of homes and buildings.
After the earthquake, 42 aftershocks occurred with the largest of a 6.6 magnitude. Millions of people across Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus and Israel felt the earthquake. To get support to our partners already responding, CAFOD has launched an appeal for the earthquake.
Cardinal Nichols has written to Fr Andrawis Toma, Chaplain to the Chaldean Catholic community in London, to offer prayers and condolences. He writes:
“I am writing to offer my sincere condolences following the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and northern Syria. Please do extend my sincere sympathy to your congregation in the Chaldean Catholic Church. May God grant strength and enduring faith to all who are bereaved, injured and traumatised. May God welcome into his merciful presence all those who have died.
“I assure you all, too, of the prayers and condolences of the Catholic Community in England and Wales. We, too, mourn this loss of life. We pray for the eternal repose of all who have died.”
CAFOD's local experts are already on the ground and assessing the needs of those affected by the earthquake. Before the earthquake, CAFOD was already working with local experts providing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable families across Syria and neighbouring countries that have been affected by the 12 year long conflict.
For Syrians, this is yet another devastating crisis they need to face. Even before the earthquake, the situation in the region was already bad with 80% of people living in poverty. The results of the conflict are still felt today with a collapsing economy and millions who have been forced to leave their homes.
The people of Syria and neighbouring countries continue to need your donations and prayers.
