The magnitude 7.8 earthquake and its aftershocks have unleashed a humanitarian disaster of unfathomable proportions.
Governments around the world are pledging assistance,deploying search teams,medical squads and equipment,and offering aid,as families who have lost their homes endure near-freezing temperatures.
Here are some ways you can help,but before you give,do your research.
Before you make a donation,especially to a lesser-known organisation,you should do some research to make sure it is reputable. In Australia, can be used to check if a charity is registered,and to find details about its operations or programs.
And if you suspect an organisation or individual of committing fraud,you can report it to or the (ACNC) .
Many national and international organisations are helping.
The United Nations Children’s Fund,better known as UNICEF,said it is in Syria and prioritising water,sanitation,hygiene and nutrition,and also focusing on helping unaccompanied children locate their families..
,which helps local non-profit agencies,is collecting donations to help fund emergency medical workers’ ability to provide food,shelter and medicine,among other necessities. As needs in Turkey and Syria change,the organisation will focus on long-term assistance,it said.
The and Red Crescent Societies is requesting donations for its Disaster Response Emergency Fund so it can send “immediate cash assistance”.
,an international organisation that fights poverty,said it was working with women’s cooperatives in Turkey to determine an appropriate immediate and long-term response plan. It is accepting donations.
,an organisation that works with impoverished communities,is accepting donations that will go towards food,shelter and hygiene kits,among other items.
,which responds to medical emergencies around the world,is collecting donations.
is accepting donations for its Children’s Emergency Fund,which will help provide children with food,shelter and warm clothing.
The,which since 2012 has provided medical relief and healthcare services inside Syria and to Syrian refugees in Turkey,is collecting money.
This article originally appeared in.