Turkey-Syria Earthquakes: What is happening?

Early on February 6th, 2023, the first of two earthquakes hit near the town of Gaziantep, Turkey, near the Syrian border. The 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit around 4 a.m. while residents were fast asleep. About an hour after the 14.2-mile (23 kilometers) long quake, another one struck and measured in at a 6.7 magnitude. However, the deadliest came later and reached a 7.5 magnitude.  

Reasons like the unexpectedness of the earthquakes, a lack of resources, weak infrastructure, and extremely cold temperatures led to the deadliest series of earthquakes this region has seen in over a century. Since the first quake hit, there have been more than 100 aftershocks causing building collapses that have trapped thousands.  

On February 12, 2023, Turkey’s death toll had surpassed 30,000 people. Thousands are still trapped under rubble and hope for rescuing them is quickly diminishing as wet conditions and temperatures dropping below zero continue. 

In one instance, a pregnant mother was trapped under rubble and ended up giving birth while she was trapped. The newborn was rescued but the mother died before rescuers could reach her. Every minute is crucial to recovery, and every person saved is celebrated.  

Currently, thousands of companies are heading charities that directly aid those affected. This is one of the simplest, but most beneficial, ways to help those affected in Turkey and Syria. The Red Cross and the World Health Organization have sent rescuers to aid the region, but they have been faced with extreme difficulty. Rescuers will be continuing their searches for a long time, but the rebuilding of these areas will continue for years.  

Donate through the Red Cross by clicking this link: https://donation.ifrc.org/?campaign=f3cfd66a-0ba7-ed11-a2da-005056010028