The tools for earthquake relief

In February 2023, a devastating earthquake struck southern Turkey near the Syrian border, causing unprecedented destruction and loss of life, with over 50,000 fatalities and significant infrastructure collapse. Amidst the chaos, Ismail Ceylan, co-founder of Zeplin, leveraged his expertise to develop an app using Retool’s platform, aimed at improving the efficiency of disaster relief efforts by connecting those in need with emergency supplies. This app streamlined the management and delivery of aid, such as tents and first aid kits, by simplifying the logistics process for volunteers. As larger humanitarian organizations stepped in, the initiative expanded to address educational needs by distributing books to students in makeshift schools, eventually leading to the formation of an NGO to support ongoing relief and educational programs. The project exemplified how targeted technological solutions can enhance the impact of humanitarian efforts, demonstrating the potential of adaptable tools in crisis response scenarios.