March 30, 2026
The Struggle for Survival on the Streets After the Earthquake
The Invisible Victims of the Earthquake
The February 6, 2023 earthquake deeply affected not only people but also thousands of stray animals. In the streets of Hatay and Malatya, animals whose owners had passed away or migrated were left alone among the ruins.
Feeding points were destroyed. Cats and dogs that were once regularly fed suddenly found themselves hungry, thirsty, and afraid. When we first arrived in the area, the scene was heartbreaking — eyes waiting for help at every corner.
Where Healing Began
Helping animals also became a healing process for our team. Reaching out to a living being in the middle of devastation gave us all strength.
We started with a few feeding points and established regular rounds twice a day. With each round, we discovered new animals — some injured, some simply starving. By working with local volunteers, we expanded our network and increased the number of feeding points to 12.
During our very first feeding round, a cat ran straight to our feet. It was clear it hadn't eaten for days. In that moment, we knew we had to be there.
Where We Are Today
Today, we regularly feed around 100 cats and dogs every day. In addition to feeding, we continue our work on sterilization and veterinary care.
Our goal is to make these efforts sustainable with community support. We need help maintaining feeding points, providing food, and covering veterinary expenses.