As the death toll rises to more than 46,000,the global Missio network is standing in solidarity with the Church to provide pastoral and practical support to the people of Turkey and Syria.
Nearly two weeks after a devastating earthquake hit Turkey and Syria, more than 46,000 people have died and more than 80,000 buildings have either been badly damaged or have entirely collapsed. This crisis continues to traumatise communities as they search for loved ones amongst the wreckage, and try to scrape together enough for shelter and their next meal.
Pope Francis has renewed his appeal for help for all those affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria, saying:
‘We continue to be close, with prayer and concrete support, to the earthquake victims in Syria and Turkey.’
Please click here to make a donation to Missio and choose ‘Mission Emergency Response’.
You can also donate by calling: 020 7821 9755.
After the emergency
Tragically, the number of people being found alive under the rubble has fallen to a handful over the last few days. As a result, rescue operations must now wind down so that reconstruction and rehabilitation can begin.
Father Adrian Loza OFM, Missio’s National Director in Turkey, recently shared:
‘My message is an invitation to prayer and generosity, not only now, but also afterwards. After the first moments, the second and third phases will start. From mourning to reconstruction. We will have to rebuild and repair many buildings and churches to serve the people, as well as help people move forward.’
Your generous donation today can make a real difference to the lives of people of Turkey and Syria as they seek ongoing support.
Please click here to make a donation to Missio and choose ‘Mission Emergency Response’.
You can also donate by calling: 020 7821 9755.
Rebuilding is a long and difficult process
On the ground, Religious and lay missionaries are coordinating efforts to provide pastoral and practical support to survivors who have lost everything; a situation worsened by freezing temperatures and the threat of cholera – crises which also come on the back of a ten-year conflict which has dramatically reduced people’s resilience and ability to cope.
As Mike Ryan, director of the World Health Organization’s emergencies programme, explained:
‘We have to deal with the aftermath of this crisis, which is going to be months and months of work. To help those who’ve been injured, people with amputations, people with psychological stress, ruined hospitals, collapsed schools. This is the hard part.’
Missio is close to the people of Syria and Turkey
As the Pope’s agency for world mission, Missio is taking action to support missionaries in Turkey and Syria who are providing vital emergency support and pastoral care in this time of suffering. We are asking for your prayers at this time, and, through the global Missio network, we will be channelling funds to support our sisters and brothers in desperate need.
Father Jacques Mourad, a Syrian monk, shares:
‘I try to be close, there is so much pain and fear in everyone’s heart. What this earthquake has done is unbelievable. People’s fear is stronger than when there was war.’
Your generous donation today can make a real difference to the lives of people of Turkey and Syria as they seek immediate and ongoing support.
Please click here to make a donation to Missio and choose ‘Mission Emergency Response’.
You can also donate by calling: 020 7821 9755.