Virginia Woolf asked questions of the moment: How can we prevent war? What does a woman need to be able to write fiction? Now, with the death toll from the Feb. 6 earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria currently at 36,000 and climbing, the Woolf community asks the question of this moment: How can we help?
Ben Hagen, president of the International Virginia Woolf Society, reached out to Mine Özyurt Kılıç of Turkey, who is involved in the formation of the non-profit Virginia Woolf Studies in Turkey Initiative, to ask just that question.
She shared information provided by two colleagues, and we have copied it below. It includes frightening facts about the 7.8-magnitude devastating quake, along with information about how to help.
Facts about the earthquake
- The earthquake that hit the region was equal to 130 atomic bombs.
- It hit 10 major cities in Türkiye and Syria.
- Nearly 7,000 buildings have been confirmed to have collapsed.
- The area affected by the Turkish/Syrian earthquake is the size of the entire United Kingdom.
- There has never been another earthquake that affected such a large area in history.
- The biggest reason for the destruction is that the earthquake was very close to the surface and therefore the damage to infrastructure such as roads, bridges and airports is very high.
How we can help
According to Mine’s colleagues, the best way to support people in the devastated areas is to donate to the following organizations:
- AHBAP Cooperative Network
https://ahbap.org
https://ahbap.org/bagisci-ol
AHBAP is a Turkish organization that describes itself as a “cooperation movement that works with value systems based on solidarity, sharing, and belonging.” The network provides “all kinds of aid” to those in need, including cash transfers and in-kind support. Through their support, they seek “to create contemporary and sustainable networks of cooperation and solidarity” that use new models that ensure they “protect local cultures.” Donations can be sent through their website as well. The organization has also created and will update a list of community centers and businesses that have opened their doors to those seeking refuge.
AFAD is Türkiye’s official disaster and emergency management authority.
This website has some useful information as well: https://www.afetbilgi.com/. Be sure to click on the small box in the middle near the top to choose your language preference.
Please share this information with your personal and academic circles/groups/networks as much as possible to help the victims! Please raise awareness on social media!
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