On Monday February 6, 2023, two earthquakes of 7.8 and 7.5 magnitudes struck Southeast Turkey (Türkiye) near the city of Gaziantep and Northwest Syria. The initial earthquake was felt across four countries, followed by the second one. There are various media reports about how many are confirmed dead, with the Wall Street Journal initially reporting that upwards of 5,000 people were dead.

Al Jazeera is reporting that in Syria, "At least 1,293 people have been killed and 3,411 injured," according to government workers. "In government-controlled areas, the toll rose to 593 dead and 1,411 injured in the provinces of Aleppo, Latakia, Hama and Tartus," according to Syria’s health ministry. And in rebel-held parts of the country, the White Helmets rescue group is reporting at least 700 killed and more than 2,000 injured.

The same Al Jazeera article, which is being updated nearly every hour, is also reporting that in Turkey, the death toll has 1,762 and at least 12,000 people have been injured.

Our entire team at Haute Hijab as well as our communities extends our du'as and prayers to everyone suffering in Turkey, Syria and wherever this earthquake's devastation has reached. We urge everyone to donate what they can to help bring disaster relief to these regions, and make du'a for those who have lost their lives and are suffering.

Our own Melanie is joining Islamic Relief USA to travel to Turkey and raise awareness of the terrible situation there and donation funds. We will be sharing the team's work and doing our best to keep the spotlight on this heartbreaking tragedy so we can continue to help in whatever ways possible.

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, “The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6011, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2586]

1. Islamic Relief USA is working with local partners to distribute immediate emergency relief. Across the country, families affected are receiving cash assistance to help pay for food, water, and medicine. Join us and help support your brothers and sisters in Türkiye in their time of need."

Donate through Melanie's link here.

2. Islamic Relief is on the ground in both countries: "In Türkiye , our teams are providing emergency food assistance, shelter and cash grants to enable those worst affected to meet their immediate needs. In Syria, our priorities will be providing health and medical supplies to hospitals and clinics, as well as blankets and tents for those made homeless by the quake.

"Our teams are continuing to assess the situation as it evolves and making preparations to provide emergency support to those hit hard by the crisis."

Donate here.

3. The Turkish Red Crescent "has launched a crisis response operation and mobilised teams in more than 10 regions across the country, while the Syrian Arab Red Crescent is delivering assistance and support to those in need in the regions of Hama, Aleppo and Lattakia." The British Red Cross is amassing donatations that the Turkish and Syrian Red Crescent will be using on the ground in the regions.

Donate here.

Donate directly to the Turkish Red Crescent here.

4. Syrian Medical Society is asking for donations to help with their work on the ground with earthquake victims and survivors. According to this article, "They continue to service the area though at least one of their hospitals has been closed due to damages caused by the temblors."

5. International Aid Charity reports that the disaster has affected "not only the local residents but also our ground team, who have lost their homes. The government is working hard to provide shelter, however, the weather conditions have further complicated the situation with freezing temperatures and snow storms striking the area.

"We urgently appeal to your kindness and generosity to provide aid and support to the earthquake victims. Your help in providing food, warm clothing, blankets, and shelter will make a huge difference in the lives of these people who have lost everything."

Donate here.

6. Ilm Feed has launched a drive through LaunchGood to drive donation dollars to Islamic Relief teams that are on the ground in Turkey and Syria.

Donate here.

7. White Helmets has been on the ground in Syria for years helping people caught in the crosshairs of the country's terrible civil war. They are now helping with earthquake relief efforts in Syria.

Donate here.