The aftermath of two devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have left many people wondering how they can help as both countries look to recover. As of Wednesday, the death toll had surpassed 12,000, with more than 53,000 people injured in Turkey alone, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced. The 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southeast Turkey and northern Syria on Monday morning, leveling about 3,000 buildings, and was followed by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake only nine hours later.
The challenges facing Turkey and Syria are significant, as are the needs of people on the ground, as they face devastated infrastructure and freezing winter temperatures. But where and how should people give to make sure their donations, whether money or goods, are going to the right place?