Overview of the Earthquake in Turkey and Syria

Overview of the Earthquake in Turkey and Syria

 A 7.8 magnitude earthquake resulted in the collapse of thousands of buildings in Turkey and Syria. As of February 8, 2023, the death toll in Turkey stands at 7,108 and in Syria it is reported as 1,250. Rescue teams are working to search for survivors and retrieve bodies from the rubble .The White Helmets, a group of volunteer first responders, have reported 1,280 deaths in a rebel-held enclave as a result of a major earthquake. Over 30,000 people have been injured and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue workers search for survivors in affected cities and towns.

Search and Rescue Efforts

In 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake in Japan caused a tsunami resulting in nearly 20,000 deaths. In 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Nepal killed over 8,800 people. The recent earthquake in Turkey has caused widespread devastation and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is traveling to the disaster zone to assess the situation. There are currently 60,000 aid personnel in the area, but many are still waiting for help as the devastation is widespread.

Aid and Support from Other Countries

Search and rescue efforts are underway with the support of teams from over two dozen countries, as well as aid pledges. The earthquake has caused widespread destruction across multiple cities and towns, some of which are isolated due to the ongoing conflict in Syria. The shaking has resulted in many voices crying for help from under the rubble, leading to growing despair among those still waiting for assistance. The affected area in Syria has been further impacted by the 12-year civil war and refugee crisis. Turkey is home to millions of refugees from the war and the affected area in Syria is split between government-controlled territory and the last opposition-held enclave, where millions of people depend on humanitarian aid.

Impact of the Earthquake on the Local Population

A state of emergency has been declared in 10 provinces in Turkey due to an earthquake that has affected 13 million people and killed thousands, with over 380,000 seeking refuge in shelters and hotels. Aid efforts in Syria have been hindered by the ongoing war and the isolation of the rebel-held region. The UN is exploring options to get supplies to the affected area. The region is located on top of major fault lines and has a history of frequent earthquakes, including a similarly powerful one in 1999 which killed 18,000.