As the tragedy unfolds: The world is seeing the chaos and devastation caused by the cataclysmic earthquake that has hit Turkey and Syria. All you can hear is the heart-wrenching screams of the innocent, as rescuers and every individual working tirelessly, looking for survivors and trying to save lives trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.
Family members desperately digging through the rubble with their bare hands, looking for loved ones screaming beneath the rubble. It’s fear, anxiety, and confusion on the streets.
Countries around the world are sending support to help the rescue efforts, including specialist teams, sniffer dogs, and equipment.
The death toll is rising and could rise eight-fold, the World Health Organisation has warned.
On Monday early morning, an earthquake of 7.8 magnitudes struck two major cities in Turkey, destroying thousands of homes. About 12 hours later, a second powerful tremor hit further north.
Seismologists said the first quake was one of the largest ever recorded in Turkey. Survivors said it took two minutes for the shaking to stop.
At,least 2,316 people have been reported killed in Türkiye, with 13,293 others injured in the quakes that destroyed 6,217 buildings, according to Orhan Tatar, the General Director of Earthquake and Risk Reduction at AFAD. Meanwhile, some 7,840 people were rescued from the rubble.
At the moment, we don’t know how high the dead and wounded numbers will rise,”
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in an address to the country. He later declared a seven-day period of national mourning. The quakes affected 10 cities where a total of approximately 13.5 million people reside.
People in Turkey and Syria are in urgent need of assistance as a result of the devastating earthquake. Here are some organizations that are working on the ground that you may help with:
Turkish Red Crescent
Red Crescent organizations in both Turkey and Syria said their teams were helping with recovery and aid efforts Monday.
🟥 Since the earthquake;
❝How can I help?❞,
❝How can I donate?❞Here are our bank details to answer all these questions:🔻 pic.twitter.com/QZgyrYjASV
— Türk Kızılay International (@RedCrescent) February 6, 2023
Union of Medical Relief and Care Organizations (UOSSM)
The UOSSM, which provides emergency medical relief and health care services to Syrian people, made an urgent appeal for assistance on Monday morning.