The death toll has reached 40,000, and many thousands more are likely to follow. In Turkey alone, the figure stands at 35,418; in Syria, 5,900 people have died.
Experiences Leave Scars — and Tears Are Flowing#
Rescue teams from many countries — Germany, Azerbaijan, Japan, Spain, and many others — rushed to help. They witnessed images they will never forget. Thousands of people have died; countless others remain trapped under rubble. Survivors call out for help, and rescue workers are doing everything they can. Countless homes — entire neighbourhoods — have been destroyed, leaving millions homeless. Around 1.5 million people have been placed in emergency shelters, and more than 26 million affected people need humanitarian support.
There Is Still Hope!#
Survivors are still being pulled from the rubble every day. After 128 hours, a two-month-old baby was found and rescued from beneath collapsed buildings. A 77-year-old survivor was pulled out after 212 hours; after 228 hours, a mother and her two children were recovered from the debris. After 248 hours, a 17-year-old was saved. These moments show that there is still hope of rescuing people.
Let’s Help Together!#
Children have lost parents; parents have lost children. Thousands of people have lost family members and their homes. Their homeland lies in ruins, and they must start over. My thoughts are with all earthquake victims affected by these tragic events — those who have lost loved ones and everything they called home. Let’s help together and support the organisations on the ground.
Your Donation Makes a Difference!#
AFAD – Ministry of Interior Disaster and Emergency Presidency
Türk Kizilay – Disaster Donations