Earthquake Hit The Nations of Turkey and Syria.

On Monday, February 6, a destructive 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the nations of Turkey and Syria. The quake is the strongest to hit the region in almost a century. United Nations aid chief Martin Griffiths described the earthquake in southern Turkey and northwestern Syria as the “worst event in 100 years” to hit the regions. It impacted an area 310 miles in diameter which is home to 13.5 million Turks and an unknown number of Syrians. In just under a week, the death toll hit the heartbreaking milestone of 28,000. Tens of thousands of residents have been left with significant injuries, and many thousands more are now homeless.  

Rescue workers from across the world have been dispatched to the region. They are working as quickly as possible to find, and extract, survivors from the rubble. Dramatic rescues are broadcast hourly on Turkish and Syrian television. On the other hand, even with these rescues being conducted, survivors and those still trapped underneath are facing unspeakable challenges as cold and snowy weather contributes to the burdens faced. 

An international effort is being made to provide food and shelter to those affected. The US Agency for International Development has committed to providing $85 million in aid, all of which will go towards shelter, cold weather supplies, food, water and healthcare. Despite this broad international coalition of support, some nations are suspending assistance operations. Germany and Austria, for instance, have halted rescue operations in Turkey, citing security concerns.

 The International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation has also begun housing over 9,000 survivors in Turkey, while still thousands are left with little to none, all hoping for rescue teams to assist them.

The first U.N. convoy carrying aid reached Syria in a rebel-held area and crossed over the border to Turkey. The aid provided materials from blankets to non-food kits, and also hygiene kits as well. 

We are praying for those affected in both Syria and Turkey and we hope those will be able to reconnect with their loved ones and families soon. There are plenty of ways to help such as donations and charities. By finding a charity or donatable fund that aligns with you, you can help provide life-saving assistance to those struggling in Syria and Turkey.