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Earthquakes are among the most devastating of natural disasters. The impact of earthquakes can be severe, causing extensive damage to buildings, infrastructure, and human life.
The number of people impacted by earthquakes varies greatly depending on the magnitude and location of the earthquake. In recent years, earthquakes have impacted millions of people around the world. In 2010, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, killing an estimated 230,000 people and leaving over 1 million homeless. In 2011, a magnitude 9.1 earthquake—and subsequent tsunami—hit Japan, resulting in the deaths of over 15,000 people and causing billions of dollars in damage. And as we will delve into shortly, the 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have resulted in the death of over 50,000 individuals.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reports that there are 16 major earthquakes—magnitude 7 or higher—on average each year. Though research indicates that the frequency and intensity of earthquakes has remained steady, in many cases, the earthquakes that are occurring are causing more damage than ever before. But why is that?
Two of the main reasons why recent earthquakes have been so devastating are urbanization and population growth in earthquake-prone areas, which have increased the likelihood of a catastrophic earthquake occurring. In fact, the two recent earthquakes in Turkey demonstrated just how destructive these natural disasters can be in highly-populated areas.
2023 Turkey & Syria Earthquakes
On February 6th, 2023, two powerful earthquakes struck southern Turkey near the Syrian border. The earthquakes—a 7.8 magnitude and then a 7.5 magnitude—have caused catastrophic damage in the region, destroying entire buildings and leaving cities in ruin.
As of March 8th, 2023, there were over 50,000 confirmed deaths in Syria and Turkey. Additionally, tens of thousands more have been injured and millions have been displaced, resulting in 26 million people in need of assistance in both Turkey and Syria.
In the aftermath of these devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, Emergency Assistance Foundation (EAF) has been working around the clock to help those who have been impacted get the assistance they need during these difficult times. As of early March 2023, our organization has provided over half a million dollars (so far!) to families in need through our relief funds.
These earthquakes have underscored the importance of being prepared to respond in the aftermath, including helping your impacted employees to rebuild and recover. Establishing a relief fund proactively is one of the best ways to be able to aid team members who may be impacted by earthquakes.
How Establishing a Disaster & Hardship Relief Fund With Emergency Assistance Foundation Will Help Provide Aid
In the aftermath of a natural disaster—like an earthquake—your organization can help impacted team members rebuild and recover with a disaster relief fund administered by Emergency Assistance Foundation. A relief fund can boost morale and give your employees the opportunity to contribute directly to the support of fellow team members. Establishing a fund can alleviate the stress that disasters put on those within your organization and allow impacted individuals to start on the road to recovery.
If your organization is interested in starting a relief fund, consider establishing a fund with Emergency Assistance Foundation today. As a financial first responder, we are resourceful and fearless in ensuring that financial assistance reaches individuals in need, no matter the unique circumstances involved.
Once you establish a fund, you can also launch an Immediate Response Program (IRP) in the event of a qualified disaster to provide small grants quickly and efficiently. This is a unique, low-cost program, which is supplemental to a fund’s standard grant program and awards small grants (< $1,000) quickly in times of large-scale disasters like earthquakes.
Proactively establishing a relief fund with Emergency Assistance Foundation ensures that your organization is ready to assist any team members that are impacted by earthquakes and other natural disasters. According to data analyzed for our landmark 10-year relief fund industry report, natural disasters are the number one event included in the grant criteria for funds that are established with Emergency Assistance Foundation.
In fact, 73% of the over 350 relief funds we administer include natural disasters in their grant criteria. The funds’ sponsoring organizations recognize the growing importance of taking care of their team members in the aftermath of a natural disaster. As the threat of natural disasters continues to increase, now is the perfect time to start preparing for how your organization will respond once the next disaster occurs.
By establishing a fund with us today, your organization can assist members of your team affected by earthquakes and increasing natural disasters. Relief fund grants can help impacted individuals pull through difficult times and start on the path toward recovery. If you’d like to learn more about how your organization can help your team during difficult times, you can review additional information about how a fund works or contact us today. We look forward to helping you make a difference for those who need it most!
