A 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit southern Turkey and northern Syria early on February 6. Its shaking was audible in Lebanon, Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and the Palestinian territories. Just nine hours later, a second earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 occurred. Both nations are still recovering from the devastation left in their wake. At least 5,000 people died from the earthquakes, with thousands more wounded. Thousands of structures have been demolished.
Turkish and Syrian authorities have stated that they expect the death toll to rise and have requested nations and international organizations to assist. As a result, several countries have rushed to provide rescue personnel, assistance, and resources.
According to the Associated Press, around 5,600 structures were damaged in Turkey alone. According to UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, 224 structures in northern Syria have been destroyed, and at least 325 have been damaged, including assistance depots. The United Nations has supported 2.7 million people each month through cross-border supplies, which may now be hampered.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish president, said 45 nations have already offered assistance with search and rescue efforts. In addition, more than ten EU volunteer search and rescue teams have been dispatched.
The United States is prepared to provide Turkey, a member of NATO, urgent aid, including personnel to assist with search and rescue operations. Humanitarian organizations aided by the United States are also responded to the tragedy in Syria. In addition to a half-dozen trained canines, around 100 firefighters and structural engineers from Los Angeles County were transported to Turkey. The American government is prepared to offer “any essential support,” according to President Biden, who talked with Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey on January 6.
Britain is sending 76 rescues and search personnel, including dogs and equipment, as well as an emergency health crew, to Turkey. Russian Emergencies Ministry rescue teams are ready to go to Syria, where the Russian military has a presence. Officials said 300 troops had already been dispatched to impacted regions to assist with the clearing of debris and the search for survivors.
According to Catherine Smallwood, the World Health Organization’s top emergency officer for Europe, the number of deaths might reach more than 20,000.
