The devastating earthquake that struck on February 6th claimed the lives of more than 15,000 people in Turkey and Syria.
On February 6, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck southeastern Turkey, with the epicenter located in the town of Pazarcik in Kahramanmaras province.
After the earthquake, the surrounding area continued to shake because of 6 strong aftershocks. Turkey and Syria were the two countries hardest hit by the quake, although tremors were also recorded in Lebanon, Egypt and Cyprus.
Immediately after receiving the information, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan spoke by phone with the governors of the eight affected provinces to direct search and rescue work. Meanwhile, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad held an emergency meeting to assess the damage and discuss remedial measures.
Local Turkish officials say the affected internet infrastructure and damaged main roads are severely hampering rescue efforts. On the evening of February 6, the Turkish Government deployed rescue helicopters to the affected areas, declaring a level 4 alert and calling for help from the international community.
Facing the difficult situation in Turkey and Syria, many countries quickly announced urgent support measures. In total, more than 30 countries have sent rescue workers, specialized equipment and relief supplies to the two affected areas.
On the UN side, Secretary-General António Guterres has assured “will do all we can to help Syria and Turkey in the current very difficult situation”.
On the morning of February 7, Turkey continued to suffer another 5.6-magnitude earthquake in the central part of the country. On the same day, the President of Turkey declared a 7-day national mourning in memory of the victims of the earthquake in Kahramanmaras province.
“Due to the earthquake that hit our country on February 6, I declare a period of national mourning lasting for 7 days. The flag will be flown at half-staff until the evening of February 12, at all representative offices. our representation at home and abroad,” Erdogan said.
Also on February 7, President Erdogan declared a state of emergency for 10 provinces in the south affected by the earthquake. In addition, Ankara will spend about 100 billion lira ($5.3 billion) for emergency support work.
At least 57,000 Palestinians in Syria have been affected by the earthquake, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Representatives of this organization called on the international community to support medicines and goods such as blankets, mattresses and hygiene products.
By February 8, the death toll in Turkey and Syria after the earthquakes had risen to at least 12,049 and hopes of finding survivors under the rubble were fading.
On the same day, President Erdogan visited Hatay province – the area hardest hit by the earthquake. Here, Mr. Erdogan acknowledged the shortcomings of the earthquake response, and said that Ankara was not ready for such a severe disaster.
According to the latest estimates of the World Health Organization (WHO), the earthquake disaster will affect at least 23 million people in Turkey and Syria.