Supporting Earthquake affected areas with Promin Low Protein Foods in Syria and Turkey in early 2023

We’ve collaborated with Birmingham Children’s Hospital to support low protein communities in earthquake affected areas in Syria and Turkey. We’ve provided 24 cases of Promin Low Protein products totally weighing 180kg.

“This is brilliant – the families in Turkey will appreciate this so much. The pallet of Promin low protein foods has grown even bigger in the last 24 hours. Thank you, Team Promin.” By Professor Anita Macdonald, Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Here is a lovely message from the PKU Turkey Association:

“Dear all, I am deeply grateful to all of you for your support and efforts!

Deniz Atakay”.

The devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria in February 2023 marked one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent history. The seismic event, registering a magnitude of 7.8, unleashed catastrophic consequences across southern Turkey, particularly in the provinces of Gaziantep and Hatay, and northern Syria, particularly affecting regions already ravaged by a decade-long civil war. The earthquake and its aftershocks shattered lives, infrastructure, and communities, leading to a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions.

The immediate aftermath of the earthquake was chaotic. In the early hours of February 6, families were asleep when the ground trembled violently. Buildings collapsed within seconds, trapping countless individuals beneath the rubble. The destruction was extensive: entire neighbourhoods were left in ruins, with many high-rise apartments crumbling, historical sites damaged, and crucial infrastructure devastated. Yet, the challenges didn’t stop there. Aftershocks continued, with significant tremors occurring for days, instilling fear and uncertainty in the survivors.

In Turkey, the government mobilized a substantial emergency response, deploying thousands of personnel from the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and various non-governmental organizations. Rescue teams worked around the clock, utilizing heavy machinery and search dogs to locate those trapped. Despite their tireless efforts, the sheer scale of destruction made rescue operations incredibly challenging. In many areas, access was hindered due to debris, and the harsh winter weather posed additional complications. Reports surfaced of civilians digging through the rubble with their bare hands, desperate to rescue their loved ones.

In neighbouring Syria, the situation was even more dire. The impact of years of war had already left much of the country’s infrastructure in tatters, and the earthquake exacerbated the suffering. The rebel-held northwest, which was severely affected, faced an acute shortage of medical supplies and healthcare services. The Syrian American Medical Society reported overwhelmed hospitals, scarcity of resources, and the dire need for international assistance. Many regions were already dealing with a massive refugee crisis, and the quake added to the burden of displaced populations seeking shelter and safety.

International aid poured in as the world reacted to the disaster. Countries from across the globe sent search-and-rescue teams, medical supplies, food, and shelter. Organizations like the Red Cross and various non-governmental organizations mobilized, providing crucial support to those affected. Social media campaigns and fundraising efforts galvanized communities worldwide, showing the power of collective action in the face of adversity.

Despite the influx of aid, challenges persisted. In regions where conflict and political strife had decimated trust in the government, people were hesitant to accept help from official sources. Access to affected areas was often complicated by security concerns, and the distribution of aid was hampered by bureaucratic hurdles. This was particularly true in areas controlled by opposition forces in Syria, leading to fears that assistance might not reach those most in need.

As the dust began to settle, the long-term implications of the earthquake loomed large. The immediate focus was on rescue, but the long-term needs for rebuilding and rehabilitation are immense. In Turkey, the government estimated that rebuilding efforts could take years, with costs running into billions of dollars. In Syria, the prospect of reconstruction appeared even more daunting, given the existing layers of complexity due to the ongoing conflict, international sanctions, and a fragile political landscape.

The 2023 earthquake in Turkey and Syria serves as a stark reminder of the earth’s unpredictable forces and the interconnectedness of our global