Stories
May 4, 2023 • 2 min read
The catastrophic earthquakes in Türkiye (Turkey) struck in the early morning hours of February 6th, when many people were asleep in their beds. Like so many others, 22-year-old Rava and her two children are still picking up the pieces.
On the 6th of February, an earthquake in Türkiye caused devastation across eleven provinces, killing more than 50,000 people and destroying 190,000 buildings. After the earthquake, the Irish government sent emergency aid, including blankets, kitchen sets, hygiene kits, and solar lamps, in addition to 340 tents to survivors in Hatay Province, reaching over 1,720 individuals in need of shelter. Almost 10,000 people have benefitted from the support of the Irish government since the earthquake struck.
“The wall collapsed on us.”
Rava is a 22-year-old Syrian refugee and mother who has been living in Türkiye since 2013 when her family was forced to leave their home in Tel Abyad and flee to Adana. Rava later got married, but her husband emigrated in search of a better life, leaving her alone with their two children. Her circumstances became even more challenging after the devastating earthquake hit Türkiye.
“I was sleeping with my children, and we were lying by the window. During the earthquake, the wall collapsed on us. The children were so scared, I immediately took them and went downstairs. I can’t explain the trauma we experienced,” she said.
“My son was in shock.”
The building Rava lived in was badly damaged by the earthquake. A Syrian neighbour accepted her into her tent, but after two weeks, Rava decided to go to her mother’s house in Mersin. Rava’s 2½-year-old son refused to speak, eat, or drink after the earthquake. She took him to the hospital, where the doctors told her that he was in shock.
“In Adana, I enrolled them in kindergarten, but they don’t go because they are afraid of the earthquake. Even if the curtain moves, they get nervous. I am very tired psychologically. I am very sad. My child’s condition is also very upsetting to me. I hope we recover soon,” she said.
“Our needs are great. The support should continue.”
The neighbours advised her to reach out to GOAL Türkiye for support. After calling, GOAL teams contacted and supported Rava with emergency items like solar lamps and blankets. “Thanks for all your help. We lost everything, but we still have hope. Your support is very important to us,” she said.
You can support GOAL’s work with families like Rava’s with a donation today.
GOALie Ezgi delivering vital support to Rava’s family.