Chobani CEO, Kathy Hochul urge NYers to aid Turkey, Syria earthquake victims: How to help

Gov. Kathy Hochul joined Chenango County-based food maker Chobani on Wednesday in urging New Yorkers to support relief efforts for earthquake-ravaged Turkey and Syria.

The magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck central southern Turkey, close to the Syrian border, on Feb. 6. The main quake was followed by dozens of violent aftershocks.

The disaster left millions living without permanent shelter or access to preventative medicine or treatment for ongoing diseases like diabetes as resources focused on acute and disaster care.

'My heart is shattered': Earthquake death toll tops 45,000

A little more than a month later, the earthquake death toll stands at more than 45,000, according to Turkey's disaster management agency, making it the worst national disaster in a century.

The earthquakes and aftershocks have damaged or destroyed over 200,000 buildings and displaced over two million people, international relief groups estimate.

"We're witnessing one of the most devastating disasters in the history of Turkey and the surrounding region," said Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani, producer of the popular Greek-style yogurt.

Chobani is headquartered in Norwich and operates a manufacturing facility in New Berlin, as well plants in Twin Falls, Idaho and Melbourne, Australia.

Ulukaya added, "It's wintertime, it's cold. The buildings are collapsed, some people are outside, and the death toll has risen to unimaginable numbers. This is my homeland, and my heart is shattered seeing my brothers and sisters suffer such deep loss."

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USAID deploys Disaster Assistance Response Team

The disaster has galvanized business and relief organizations in New York state, which is home to more Turkish people than any other state in America.

"Our hearts break for the victims of Turkey’s devastating earthquake, and our thoughts are with the New Yorkers who continue to grieve the losses of their loved ones overseas," Hochul said. "With relief efforts underway, I applaud the members of New York's business community, like Hamdi and his Chobani family, who have already answered the call to help those in need and I encourage all New Yorkers to consider donating their time or resources to support survivors in any way that they can."

The U.S. government’s response is being led by the the U.S. Agency for International Development. The USAID deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team to conduct disaster assessments, identify urgent humanitarian needs, assist with search and rescue operations and work with partners on the ground to save lives.

How to help: Find organizations leading response to earthquake

According to the USAID, which has decades of experience in disaster relief, cash donations to vetted and verified humanitarian organizations are the most effective way to help earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.

The agency's website provides a link to organizations that are currently involved in earthquake relief efforts.

The Charity Navigator is also a valuable resource for those who want to contribute to humanitarian causes. The Charity Navigator includes a listing of 52 highly-rated charities supporting earthquake recovery in Turkey and Syria.

Hochul and Ulukaya asked New York state residents to contribute to earthquake relief.

"I know New Yorkers are some of the most caring, compassionate people anywhere, and I know they will step up to help. Help is needed now and will continue to be critical as the region rebuilds," Ulukaya said. "Businesses have a responsibility to be part of the solution, to bring their innovation, resources, and voices — to stand up for common humanity. I've asked for, and I'm overwhelmed by, the generosity and compassion of the business community."

Neal Simon on Twitter @HornellTribNeal. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya backs earthquake relief in Turkey, Syria