Rushing Aid to Turkey: Inside the Command Center

Speed is critical in disaster response. When deadly earthquakes struck Turkey back-to-back on Feb. 6, Samaritan’s Purse immediately got to work.

More than 30,000 people were killed and tens of thousands were injured in Turkey and Syria as homes and other buildings collapsed. Samaritan’s Purse deployed a 52-bed Emergency Field Hospital and more than 100 disaster response specialists to provide life-saving care.

Host Kristy Graham takes listeners inside the command center as our response developed. Go behind the scenes and hear the raw emotions of our field team as they reported exactly what they were seeing in Turkey.

“As so so hard as today was, it was really evident that the need is here and the need is great. I think the capacity that we are going to bring will fill a huge, immediate need but it will be a continuous need.”—Mel Wubs

Aaron Ashoff, deputy director leading the response to Turkey, gives perspective on the devastating needs on the ground. Even the Samaritan’s Purse team was forced to sleep in their cars on their first night in Turkey and struggled to find food. These roadblocks never stop the work—instead they spur the team forward to find solutions and provide life-saving support.

Kristy also hops on the phone with Tred, the deputy team lead on the ground in Turkey. He was one of the first to arrive in country, and he shares what it was like to see the devastation firsthand.

“The need is overwhelming. There are a lot of people who need food. They need water. There isn't electricity. It is cold. We're not seeing a lot of distributions happening so the challenges obviously are significant.”—Tred

In the midst of incredible hardship, Samaritan’s Purse has an opportunity to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way. Kristy encourages listeners to turn to God’s Word in the midst of great grief.

“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.”—Psalm 119:28 (NIV)

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”—Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

Go to SamaritansPurse.org to learn more and stay up to date on our work in Turkey.