UK Humanitarian Response to the 2023 Earthquake in Southern Turkey and North West Syria

Description

This presentation features Surgeon Commander Steve Mannion, reflecting on his extensive experience in disaster response, particularly his role with UK Med in response to the devastating earthquake that struck Southern Turkey and Northwestern Syria in February 2023. Mannion discusses the impact of the earthquake, which occurred in the early morning when most people were asleep, resulting in significant casualties due to building collapses. He provides a detailed account of his coordination efforts in disaster response, including deploying medical teams, assessing the damage, and working alongside Turkish medical staff and volunteers.



Mannion highlights the challenges faced by emergency medical teams, the effectiveness of local medical services, and the complexity of international coordination in disaster scenarios. He recounts the rapid mobilization of aid, the assessment of medical needs, and collaboration with various organizations to address ongoing healthcare issues in the aftermath of the disaster.



Throughout his talk, Mannion emphasizes the importance of evaluating the construction quality of buildings in earthquake-prone areas, the role of translators in medical missions, and the necessity of an adaptable response strategy to meet evolving healthcare demands in crises. He concludes by indicating that while the immediate surgical needs were minimal, the long-term healthcare provision is critical, especially in regions like Northwestern Syria, where humanitarian access is restricted.



Overall, Mannion communicates a powerful narrative illustrating the operational realities of disaster response, underscoring the humanitarian commitment of UK Med and the collaborative efforts between military and civilian sectors in emergency situations.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-240768

Specialties