Dear friends,

First of all, we are grateful to all our friends who contacted us individually and asked about the situation here and conveyed their good wishes. We are sure you're all following the news. Please allow us to explain the situation here.

The earthquake in Türkiye is the biggest of the last centuries. The earthquake, which started with a magnitude of 7.7, was followed by numerous earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.3, 6.7 and 6.8. However, there was another independent earthquake in the same region with a magnitude of 7.8 and severe aftershocks still continue. Many buildings could not withstand all these tremors.

The eastern Mediterranean and 10 cities in the southeast were affected by the earthquake. However, Northern Syria was also greatly affected by the earthquake. Metropolitan cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir are far from the earthquake zone. 4.758 buildings collapsed. We already have 2.951 victims and 15.824 wounded. We have friends who were under the rubble, and acquaintances who lost their families. We strive for both our acquaintances and other people.

There is no way to beautify this apocalyptic landscape. However, I should add: There is a great mobilization in Türkiye. Public institutions and non-governmental organizations sent a lot of aid to the region. Civil volunteers are coordinated by professionals and directed to the field. Many aid materials were delivered to the region. However, our international call was also answered. EU civil protection response to Türkiye earthquake, so far 17 eu countries Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Albania and Montenegro have offered 25 search and rescue and 2 emergency medical teams. 1.155 rescuers and 72 search dogs arrived in Türkiye. Also Japan and Taiwan sent their rescue teams and Ukraine declared that they are standing with Türkiye and ready to send their rescue teams even if they are in a war. 

As GSM, we are "fine" in Ankara. But we are trying to do our best to collect and send more aid and help to the earthquake area.

How can you support? 

1) You can encourage the official authorities of the country you live in to support Türkiye.

2) You can make a corporate or personal donation. Below I share reliable ways to donate:

   - ANKARA METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: https://www.ankara.bel.tr/duyurular/sartsiz-bagis-yapilabilecek-hesaplar-350:
(Donate in TRY, EUR, GBP and USD) - Account Name: "ANKARA BUYUKSEHIR BELEDIYE BASKANLIGI"
Please add an explanation “I want to make an unconditional donation.”

   - AKUT (Voluntary search, assist and rescue organization): https://akut.org.tr/en/donation (Donate in TRY, EUR and USD)

   - AHBAP (One of the most active voluntary networks, active in the affected regions): https://bagis.ahbap.org (Donate in TRY with credit card)

3) You can also raise awareness. Make the world aware of the crisis and help us get help! CAMPAIGN PICTURES (click)

4) You can support us to find more volunteers for our earthquake workcamps that we are planning to arrange in Türkiye!

As GSM, we do our best. Thanks in advance to all our friends who supported and sent their good wishes.

Best regards,

GSM - GENÇLİK SERVİSLERİ MERKEZİ
YOUTH SERVICES CENTER
Ankara, Türkiye | 1985

Member of: CCIVS and ALLIANCE
Partner of: SCI
Friends of: ICYE and NVDA