The residents of Turkey and Syria, who have been struggling to recover from a devastating earthquake that struck 15 days ago, causing tens of thousands of fatalities and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless, were dealt another blow on Tuesday as a new quake hit the region.
In the first quake on February 6th, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook the Defne district in Turkey’s Hatay province. The latest earthquake measured 6.4 on the Richter scale.
According to disaster management authorities, the new quake resulted in the loss of six lives in Turkey and two in Syria.
The quake was felt in neighbouring countries such as Jordan, Cyprus, Israel, Lebanon, and Egypt. A magnitude 5.8 quake and numerous aftershocks followed, causing panic and fear among the already traumatized population.
As a result of the storm, the White Helmets civil defence organization reported around 190 injuries in rebel-held areas and the collapse of several flimsy buildings, although there weren’t any reports of anyone trapped underneath.
Turkish teacher Zuher Capar, who lost relatives in the first earthquake, was eating with his aunt and uncle near Hatay’s Samandag town when the new quake struck.
He recalls the electricity going out and screams everywhere as the tremor grew stronger.
Capar’s home, which had withstood the first earthquake, was damaged on Monday, leaving him and his family too frightened to sleep there. They now plan to live in a large tent and cars.
The new earthquake has complicated the rescue effort as aftershocks and the instability of the structures pose a risk to those searching for survivors.
Turkish officials have warned residents not to enter the remains of their homes, but many have done so to retrieve their belongings.
As a result of unsafe housing and winter weather, many survivors suffer from anxiety, depression, and stress in the aftermath of the quake.
Hundreds of thousands in northwest Syria and Turkey received food from the U.N.’s World Food Program due to Monday’s earthquake.
Despite freezing temperatures and trying to do their jobs, employees now sleep in their cars.
For Kamal Abuhassan and his family in Jinderis, Syria, the new quake has left their small home partially collapsed and unsafe. Too scared to return inside, he has set up a tent outside the house.
The situation is similar for many others in the affected regions, where authorities estimate that over 139,000 buildings have been destroyed or severely damaged and must be torn down.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that 865,000 people live in tents in the affected provinces, with winter weather only adding to their suffering.
Most of the fatalities from the initial February 6th earthquake, followed by a magnitude 7.5 quake nine hours later, were in Turkey, where at least 42,310 people died.
Turkey’s defence minister reported that around 20,000 Syrians living in Turkey have returned to Syria after the quakes, as they lost their homes and loved ones.
The ongoing aftermath of the earthquakes continues to cause pain and suffering for the residents of Turkey and Syria.
International aid organizations and governments have stepped up efforts to support the affected communities.
To provide shelter, food, and medical care for those in need, the United Nations has launched an appeal for $180 million.
Teams of volunteers and medical personnel have also been deployed to the region to provide immediate help and support to the survivors.
The Turkish government has declared a state of emergency in the affected provinces and has set up relief camps to provide shelter and support to those who have lost their homes.
The government has also promised to rebuild the affected areas and support those who have lost their livelihoods.
In the face of this ongoing disaster, the resilience and determination of the survivors is truly inspiring. Despite the loss and trauma they have experienced, they are working to rebuild their homes and communities and overcome the challenges they face.
The recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria serve as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for effective response and support in the aftermath of natural disasters.
The international community must come together to assist and support those in need and help these communities recover and rebuild.