Turkey-Syria earthquakes: 10 ways UAE residents can donate to emergency relief efforts

[Editor's Note: This list will be updated as humanitarian organisations roll out emergency drives.]

Scores of families in Turkey and Syria scampered out into the streets in freezing temperatures as a 7.8-magnitude earthquake rocked the region on Monday morning, killing more than 17,000 people.

Thousands were left homeless as buildings, villages, and essential infrastructure crumbled to the ground. The frantic search for survivors is still on, and emergency response teams worldwide are coming together to help those hit by the tragedy. The UAE was among the first to swing into action, sending aid planes and rescue teams and setting up field hospitals.

While mobilising relief efforts, major humanitarian organisations have launched appeals for urgent donations.

Here are some ways to donate:

1. Emirates Red Crescent

Starting February 12, the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) — along with its partner humanitarian organisations — will directly collect donations in cash and in kind over the course of two weeks.

The ERC, in coordination with other UAE Government entities, has also launched a call for volunteers who can help in relief efforts. Teams will start packing the goods for earthquake victims on February 11, from 9am to 2pm, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) and the Dubai Exhibition Centre, at Expo City Dubai.

2. Turkish Embassy in Abu Dhabi

From 8am until 8pm today and tomorrow (February 8), expats and other UAE residents can drop off in-kind donations at Turkey's Embassies Area in Abu Dhabi. Those who wish to donate large quantities of items can head to the warehouse of CSS Homeward Bound transportation company.

In an advisory, the embassy listed the items that are urgently needed at earthquake zones. Check out the details here.

3. Turkish Red Crescent

Soon after the earthquake, the Turkish Red Crescent started the delivery of relief aid materials for people in the earthquake zones. The group has set up a section on its website for those who wish to support the efforts.

It said that among the basic necessities that are needed at the moment are: biscuits/cakes, tea, soup, sugar, bread, fruit juice, energy bars, flour, ready meals, hygiene products, pasta, rice, chickpea, oil, dried beans, red lentils, milk, baby formula, diapers.

Among the shelter needs are: tents, blankets, heaters, scarfs/gloves/beanies, thermoses/mugs, flashlights, thermal clothing, sleeping bags, bedchairs, foam mattresses, pillows.

Donations can be coursed through the Türk Kızılay (Turkish Red Crescent) website using a credit card. International donors may also dial 0090 216 168 11 22.

4. Unicef

The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) is moving quickly to respond to the needs of thousands of families and children impacted by the earthquake.

Donors have the option to give once (from Dh440 to Dh1,100) or monthly (from Dh180 to Dh370) via its official website (https://help.unicef.org/). Amounts can also be customised.

5. UNHCR

Comig to the rescue of thousands of victims in Turkey and Syria, the UN Refugee Agency is on the ground with emergency items including tents, blankets and hygiene items.

People can support the organisation's relief efforts through the donation drive it had rolled out on its website (https://www.unhcr.org/)

6. The White Helmets

Syrian humanitarian organisation White Helmets is currently working non-stop to search for survivors and pull the dead from collapsed buildings. Urgently needing support for its life-saving operations, the group launched a fund-raising drive.

With just a few clicks on its official website (https://www.whitehelmets.org/en/), donors can offer help from $25 to $200, or any other amount.

7. International Blue Crescent (IBC)

Mobilising its entire capacity to help those struck by the tragedy, the IBC has launched a relief campaign online.

The group said among the items that are urgently needed are: Tens of thousands of tents; heaters for the tents; tens of thousands of blankets; thermal clothing; ready-to-eat food for at least 5,000 people; and first-aid kits.

The IBC has set up a donation link on its official website (https://www.ibc.org.tr/).

8. Save the Children

The US-based Save the Children Foundation has rolled out a donation campaign to help kids in need of urgent support to access food, shelter and warm clothing in earthquake zones.

Cash donations range from $50 to $5,000, and can be coursed through its official website (https://support.savethechildren.org/)

9. Syrian American Medical Society Foundation

The foundation's medical teams were among the first rescuers who rushed to earthquake-hit zones in Syria. In the aftermath of the catastrophe, they have been working round the clock to treat victims and save as many lives possible. The group has launched a fund-raising drive on its website (https://www.sams-usa.net/)

10. Plan International

This independent development and humanitarian organisation is working urgently to assess and respond to the needs of children, particularly girls, and their families in Syria. It has launched an appeal for donations on its official website (https://plan-international.org/emergencies/syria-earthquake-appeal).

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