On 6 February 2023, an earthquake of magnitude 7.8 hit southern and central Turkey, as well as northern and western Syria. This was followed by an earthquake of magnitude 7.7 which occurred 9 hours later, to the north of Turkey. Turkey is a country located in Western Asia, with a small portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southern Europe. It borders Syria and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.
By 15 February 2023, the areas affected were still getting aftershocks from the earthquake, and the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency recorded at least 120 total aftershocks. In earthquake lingo, an aftershock is a smaller earthquake that follows a larger earthquake, in the same area of the main shock, which is caused as the displaced earth crust adjusts to the effects of the main shock.
Over 46,000 deaths have been confirmed with more than 40,600 in Turkey and over 5,000 in Syria. According to Daily Mails report on 18 February 2023, Syria’s toll has not been updated for several days. It’s more tragedy in this report, as a family of three that were recently rescued from a rumble have now lost their son to dehydration.
There’s also reports from local media of various humanitarian aid being offered to victims of the earthquake, like a 1000 generator donation and many substantial cash donations, of course this does not replace the lives that have been lost. It will only help those who survived, find a way to start again.
The Washington Post further narrates how the European Union will be sending about 1,150 rescuers and 70 rescue dogs, to assist Turkey.
