Türkiye’s Denim Mills Respond to Devastating Earthquakes
On Feb. 6, two earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.7 and 7.6 struck the Kahramanmaraş area in the southeastern part of Türkiye that borders Syria. Following the two major seismic events, there have been more than 2,000 aftershocks.
Over 200,000 search and rescue workers have located more than 80,000 survivors amid the rubble over the past week. However, the death toll in Türkiye and Syria has surpassed a combined 35,000 and it continues to rise. In addition, almost 20,000 individuals are hospitalized in Türkiye.
For those who survived, many of the 13.5 million people in the affected region have lost loved ones, friends, their homes and possessions. The 10 provinces impacted have a total area of 108,812 square kilometers, larger than the area of countries including Iceland, South Korea and Portugal.
Türkiye is a significant player in the global apparel industry, exporting $21 billion worth of clothing in 2022. International companies and brands like Diesel, Bestseller, Inditex, Mavi, Good American and more source denim from Türkiye.
The area affected by the earthquake in particular houses many textile production facilities. For instance, Bossa is based in Adana, while Kipas’ and Maritas produce in Kahramanmaraş.
Türkiye’s exporters associations ITKIB, IMMIB, IIB and HIB have joined forces to collect monetary donations as well as warm clothing and shoes, blankets, heaters, food and more items. Click here for more information about this aid effort.
For Türkiye’s denim mills, this tragedy has hit close to home, even if they have not been personally affected. Here’s a look at what denim mills are saying and doing in the wake of this natural disaster.
Calik is helping locals get food and shelter, including setting up temporary housing.
We express our heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by the earthquake. Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones, homes, and possessions. We are sending our help and support to those in need during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/QLDv7bKY7l
— KilimDenim (@kilimdenim) February 7, 2023
— Kipas Textiles (@kipastextile) February 10, 2023
Our hearts go out to those affected. If you wish to contribute to aid efforts, here are just a few of the organizations working in the region to provide disaster relief: