Turkey 2023

On 6 February 2023, two devastating earthquakes of magnitude 7.8 and 7.5 struck southeastern Turkey and Syria, causing immense loss of life and leaving millions of people facing the consequences of the disaster.

For the first time, Desmos activated its crisis response mechanism outside Greece, aiming to help secure safe and dignified living conditions for families who had lost their homes.

Our response

Through continuous updates from the field and in collaboration with trusted local partners, we assessed the needs in the affected areas and focused our response on providing shelter for those displaced by the earthquakes.

From the first days following the earthquakes, temporary shelters began to be established and essential supplies and equipment were provided, including generators, heaters, beds, blankets, food, drinking water and hygiene products.

Desmos then supported the development of an organised temporary settlement in Samandag, Hatay Province, Turkey, one of the areas most severely affected by the earthquakes.

Specifically, 33 fully equipped 7×3-metre housing units were secured, each with the capacity to accommodate up to 6 people. The units included beds, basic furniture, electricity, heating, running water, toilets, showers, kitchenettes and small refrigerators, providing safe living conditions for up to 198 people.

At the same time, the necessary works were carried out to prepare the site and establish essential infrastructure, including water supply, sewage systems and communal areas.

By July 2023, the settlement was fully operational, providing families who had lost their homes and livelihoods with a safe place to live and the opportunity to take their first steps towards rebuilding their daily lives.