The earthquake in Türkiye and Syria, one year on

One year later

A little over a year ago, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria in the night, followed by an aftershock nearly as strong. Tens of thousands of people were killed in the earthquakes and their aftermath. Many thousands of buildings collapsed, exposing others to harsh conditions after the shaking had stopped.  

The innocent foundation responded. We donated £100,000 to the collective efforts of three partners on the scene: Action Against Hunger, Concern Worldwide and Save the Children.  

‘I am so proud to work for a company whose people are so kind, thoughtful and supportive. Such a generous donation clearly shows that I work for an organisation that has its heart in the right place’  says Irem Mainwaring, European Head of Brand and Portfolio at innocent drinks, who was first to alert colleagues to the situation. Innocent drinks donates some of its profits to the innocent foundation annually.  

Immediately following the earthquakes, these organisations helped to clear debris and provide families with the food, water, hygiene items and shelter they needed to make it through.  

In the months following, they helped to repair damaged schools; to prepare families for cold conditions; and to repair sanitation and water systems. They helped businesses to get back on their feet; people to move back into jobs; and most importantly, they supported families to recover a sense of security. 

Our partners estimate that, together, they’ve supported 1,732,858 people in Türkiye and Syria since the earthquakes. 

They’ve done so much to help people and their families to return to normal life, but even now, a year later, many families are still living in temporary shelters. In Syria, the ongoing conflict has escalated, making things even more challenging. Save the Children estimates that over 18 million people were affected by the earthquakes, so there is more to do.