In early 2023, Turkey experienced its most powerful earthquake in over eight decades -- a massive 7.8 magnitude tremor that struck near Kahramanmaraş in the south-central region. It was close to the Syrian border, roughly 75 miles from Adıyaman. 

As reports of widespread destruction poured in, Rotary clubs across the nation mobilized almost immediately. Within a day, members from nearby districts came together to create an organized relief strategy. 

They swiftly opened assistance hubs in six of the hardest-hit cities. Each center was directed by local Rotary members who gathered information about what communities needed most and communicated those needs to volunteers and donors. Through the efforts of clubs across three districts, more than 200 truckloads of emergency goods were delivered -- everything from food, water, fuel and heaters to diapers, sanitary supplies and toys. 

The disaster struck during bitter winter weather. Temperatures near the epicenter hovered around 37°F that day and fell well below freezing afterward. Rain soon turned to snow, and survivors faced brutal cold and hypothermia risks. Thanks to preparations already in place, District 2440 was able to deploy a stockpile of tents and establish a temporary settlement in İskenderun, along the Mediterranean coast. Rotary members managed the tent city for over a month before the nation’s disaster authority assumed control. 

The rapid response demonstrated once again Rotary’s deep dedication to its guiding principle of “service above self.”

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