Yesterday, southern Türkiye and northern Syria were hit with consecutive earthquakes, which have, at the time of writing, killed over 5000 people. ICLEI extends our deepest sympathies to those who are grieving and suffering in the wake of these natural disasters.

Wolfgang Teubner, ICLEI Regional Director for Europe, expressed: “On behalf of the ICLEI team, I extend sincere condolences to communities and our members in Türkiye and Syria. We call upon the international community to join us in standing by and providing support and advice in the wake of this tragedy.”

The earthquakes hit a number of municipalities from large cities to rural towns, including ICLEI Members Mersin, Yenisehir, and Gaziantep (Türkiye). The impacts of this tragedy will be felt throughout the region and by the larger ICLEI community.

When natural disasters strike, it is the local level – municipal and neighbourhood authorities – at the frontline helping communities to mourn, rebuild, and bolster resilience moving forward. We send those on-the-ground in Türkiye and Syria strength and solidarity at this difficult time.

For ways you can provide support in the face of this devastation, please consult our follow-up article here.