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Field Ready is saddened by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that has claimed thousands of lives in #Turkey and #Syria. The death toll is more than 7,900 so far and more than 22,000 have been injured. These numbers are expected to rise as the rescue teams continue to search for people trapped under multiple buildings.
We are grateful that all Field Ready team members survived unharmed and are working closely with the local rescue partners to launch an emergency response to help survivors.
Ten cities in Turkey experienced this earthquake, including key airports, the port of Iskernderun was damaged and ships are being diverted. Major roads are either booked or impassable which has interfered with the humanitarian support reaching this region. This points to the need to localize aid as much as possible.
In Northernwestern Syria, the earthquake struck the region already suffering from the snowstorms, and heavy damage has been reported in particular areas hosting the internally displaced people from violent conflict. This region is experiencing sub-zero temperatures and several inches of snow on the ground and yet more storms are expected in the coming days.
Before the earthquake, Field Ready was already work the lack of insulation in freezing temperatures and the inability of the people to heat up their own houses which are mostly makeshift shelters and tents.
Field Ready improved this situation by developing innovative products like insulation panels, and floor insulation tiles that protect people from the winter cold and relieve them from the summer heat by insulating these shelters with thermal insulation materials made from plastic waste.
Our partners in this effort include Engineers Without Borders Norway, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent’s Shelter Research Unit, and The Polyfloss Factory.
Our team is working closely with local rescue partners to launch an emergency response to help survivors. Please join us in supporting these efforts by donating here.
More will follow soon.