Situation

On August 17 1999, an earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck western Turkey with its epicentre at Izmit. The earthquake struck at 3am and killed 17,000 people, and tens of thousands were homeless.

There were still many bodies trapped under the rubble, most dead, but some still alive. In the extreme summer heat, the bodies in the open presented a health hazard. But also, the survivors were in the open without shelter, food or clean water. Their trauma meant that they were scared of after-shocks (another major quake struck Turkey on November 12 1999).

Response

The HF team were on site within hours to assess the priorities for the help of the victims. A medical team was sent out to provide early care, and materials such as tents, clothing and medication, were prepared to be shipped out to the region. Over a period of weeks, some 15,000 victims were provided with medical care and food in difficult circumstances before the authorities were able to provide longer-term support.

Outcome

Victims helped	15,000
Aid delivered	> £50,000
Mandays of effort	212 mandays
Project Duration	3 weeks

 

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