EDITOR’S NOTE: Names in this article have been withheld or shortened for security reasons.

One year after back-to-back earthquakes rocked Turkey and the surrounding area, residents are still feeling the ripple effects.

On Feb. 6, 2023, the region was hit by two earthquakes measuring 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude which killed 60,000 people, damaged or destroyed nearly a quarter million buildings, and shattered the sense of security for residents. 

As the region marks the grim anniversary of the tragedy and prepares for the future, workers with Mission to the World pray their mercy ministry will give room for gospel growth in the region.

Physical and Emotional Aftershocks

Damage from the earthquakes spread over approximately 140,000 square miles (roughly the size of Montana) and killed more than any other earthquake in the region in the last two centuries.

In the three months that followed the earthquake, 30,000 aftershocks were recorded, and even today tremors in the region remain a common occurrence that re-ignite the panic many felt that day.

“There is ongoing anxiety and apprehension about the future in general – as people dread more earthquakes, wonder where will they live, how they will have income, and are slowly recovering from intense trauma,” says an MTW field worker in the region.”There are tens or hundreds of thousands of people that have long-term or permanent injuries as well.” 

Globally, the past year has been filled with wars and disasters, and once the earthquakes dropped out of the news cycle, it seems many outside the region let it slip from their minds as well. But for the people in Turkey and the surrounding area, it remains a tragedy they won’t soon forget or recover from. 

“We’ve seen it in children and families where there’s still occasionally tremors and small earthquakes and people running outside,” said Neal, an international director with MTW. “It messes with them emotionally and mentally.”

Many organizations around the world have been quick to respond with help picking up the pieces in the region, including MTW. 

Neal says many of the areas hit hardest by the earthquakes were already economically depressed. After the disaster, they were left with nothing. Because of the infrastructure damage to storm water systems, there have been added losses from flooding.

The physical losses ripple into the emotional as people grapple with fear and despair.

MTW organizers recognized that the relief work was not a short-term problem and encourage their partners to let them know about mid-term and long-term needs

MTW responded immediately through some pre-existing relationship channels.

​“Those of us living in the region started texting one another within hours after we heard the news and began to understand this was a major set of quakes impacting a huge area,” said the MTW field worker. 

Field workers organized a Signal group for sharing news and prayer requests, coordinating relief work, and organizing video meetings.

Since they knew the government in Turkey and other relief organizations would be addressing many of the broader needs, MTW strived to fill in the gaps.

“That was one philosophical decision we made early,” Neal explains. “We weren’t going to be involved in general aid. There are other groups and other people who were better positioned to do that, but we were going to work through our channels, our friends, the believing networks that we had in both countries and seek to provide aid to believers who could then first-hand provide it to their network and the people they knew.” 

This meant providing for immediate needs ranging from blankets and heaters to temporary container housing. It meant comforting those who had lost loved ones and offering trauma counseling to those struggling with what they had lived through.

“Through our network of believing friends, we would hear about specific needs and we would empower them to help meet those needs,” Neal said.

The field worker said some people connected to MTW have gone and continue to go into the affected areas with local leaders to meet those who are being served.

“As they can, our national partners are passing on material and/or financial support, visiting with victims of the earthquakes, praying and reading Scripture, and listening to their stories – as listening is one of the most important things to do right now,” the field worker said. “The stories of pain and trauma (including those of our partners in ministry) are unending.”  

MTW organizers recognized that the relief work was not a short-term problem and encourage their partners to let them know about mid-term and long-term needs as well. 

In many cities, demolition and reconstruction are ongoing. Buildings that can be salvaged will be strengthened, and new homes and apartments are going up. 

“Tens or hundreds of thousands of people are still living in containers. Millions of people in the area are still coping with loss and grief,” the field worker said.

Thanks to the generosity of those who have given and continue to give through MTW’s Compassion Fund, workers in the region anticipate being able to provide ongoing help for the next three to four years. 

Helping in Jesus’ Name and a Cultural Context

When MTW works through partners on the ground, they can not only ensure the resources are put to good use but make sure recipients hear about Jesus. 

“One nice thing about working through national partner channels is they’re able to provide assistance in the name of Jesus in a way that’s culturally appropriate,” Neal said.

As a result, there has been spiritual growth. Local churches have had countless opportunities to love and connect with their communities in creative and holistic ways. 

Even the temporary housing camps have been a blessing in a way.

“It has forced together neighbors from various ethnic and religious backgrounds into ‘container cities’, meaning they get to know and help each other in ways they never would have,” the field worker said.

Those relationships may bear fruit for years to come.

“Our greatest hope is that they would know the hope that we have as we seek to give a cup of water in Jesus’ name,” Neal said.

Neal encourages believers in the Western World not to forget those people who were impacted by this tragedy and to pray that God will continue to show mercy to those who are hurting. 

He also prays that God will provide laborers who will continue to invest in the long process of physical, emotional and spiritual rebuilding and restoration that is ahead.  

Those who would like to learn more or donate to MTW’s earthquake response can do so through MTW’s website at this link.

MTW regularly responds to tragedies around the world and donations can be made anytime through the Compassion Fund so that finances are available to respond immediately when needed.  

Photo by Çağlar Oskay on Unsplash.