Syria & Turkey Earthquake: Sewa International Raises $60,000; Partner to Serve Meals to Victims

According to Katoch, the Turkish Ministry of Interior Disaster and Emergency Management

(AFAD) has requested FFL Turkey to serve in Hatay. Three FFL volunteers from Turkey and four Hungarian FFL cooks, including the FFL Director from Budapest, drove about 15 hours from Istanbul to Antakya. The DSV freight company gave FFL a 26-ton truck, fuel, a driver, and a passenger vehicle for the mission. In addition, two FFL coordinators from Turkey are working on obtaining all required permissions and supplies. 

 

Food For Life is an ISKCON initiative and the world's most extensive vegetarian food distribution program serving millions of meals daily, serving people in 60 countries. In a video shared with Sewa International, FFL volunteers said they prepared hot tea, lentil soup, and served cheese, olives, and bread for breakfast. These volunteers slept in the truck in sleeping bags, and the night temperature hovered around -5 degrees Celsius, making life difficult for survivors and aid workers.

Combined Efforts for Future

"ISKCON Turkey Food for Life is incredibly grateful for the generous support of Sewa USA. Our partnership with Sewa is providing much needed relief to the people who have been left with nothing. Sewa USA was one of the very first organizations to get actively involved in offering funds to keep the wheels rolling. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to all of you that have contributed - our combined efforts create a better future for the communities we serve," Caitanya Chandra Das, coordinator of Turkey earthquake relief efforts from ISKCON’s Food For Life said.  

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6 has killed over

41,000 people. It has devastated many towns and villages, leaving communities needing

immediate support. The earthquake has affected over 13 million people across ten provinces, including Hatay, Gaziantep, Adiyaman, Malatya, Adana, Diyarbakir, Kilis, Osmaniye, and Sanliurfa. Much of the affected region is remote, and government and relief workers have found it challenging to get food and essentials into these areas. In Syria's northwest region, the towns of Jandaris and Afrin in Aleppo Province have seen severe damage.

"We are working with Sewa Canada, Sewa Europe, and ISKCON's FFL to assist the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. We endeavor to provide relief to people in disaster situations and work with them to help them rebuild their lives. With support from our donors, partners, and volunteers, Sewa can make a real impact, as it has done so in response to many other disasters worldwide," Arun Kankani, Sewa International's President said. He appealed for donations to help Turkish and Syrian communities in need.

https://www.sewausa.org/turkeysyriaearthquakeappeal

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About Sewa International

Sewa International (www.sewausa.org) is a 501 (c)(3) Hindu faith-based charitable nonprofit that works in the areas of disaster recovery, education, and development. Sewa has 43 Chapters across the USA and serves regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.