By Aneesa Khawaja, Staff Writer
On Monday evening a powerful earthquake struck eastern Turkey, with a magnitude of 6.4 on the Richter scale. The quake’s epicenter was in the Elazig province, near the Syrian border. The earthquake was also felt in neighboring Syria, with reports of damage and casualties.
According to official reports, as of February 15, the earthquake has resulted in the deaths of at least 47,000 people and damaged hundreds of homes. The earthquake was followed by a series of aftershocks, which continued to shake the region for several hours. Many people in the affected areas were left without power or access to basic services.
The earthquake has caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in the affected areas, with many homes, businesses, and public buildings either collapsing or severely damaged. In addition, power outages and communication disruptions have also been reported.
Many organizations and countries have pledged to support Turkey and Syria during this difficult time, with offers of financial aid, medical support, and search and rescue assistance coordinated by AFAD. Senior Askari Mohammad says, “After the huge effect of the earthquake in Syria and Turkey many organizations have set up donation events, I hope the donations are providing relief. Make sure if you want to donate it is coming from a reputable organization.”
Turkish government faces an increased political risk for failing to respond quickly enough and causing a significant number of deaths. The way Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan handles this humanitarian issue could have an impact on the election outcome. “Yeah, I read that Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdogan is under criticism for failing to keep the nation well-prepared or move quickly following the natural disaster,” says senior Elaina Wuebker.
The earthquake in Turkey and Syria is a tragic reminder of the ongoing risks and challenges faced by people living in areas prone to earthquakes and other natural disasters. It highlights the need for continued efforts to improve disaster preparedness and response, as well as the importance of international cooperation and support in times of crisis. Sophomore Odile Kayisavera says I think we should use this to remind us of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment we have. When we see the destruction and loss caused by earthquakes, it can make us realize how precious life is and how quickly it can be taken away.