Turkey – The devastating earthquakes that shook Turkey and Syria have claimed the lives of 36 000 people and left thousands more injured. The 7.8 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes caused a huge loss of life and the 2000 plus reported aftershocks have left survivors petrified and seeking shelter in other cities.
Thousands gathered at the Gaziantep airport to leave for safer destinations. On Sunday, Turkish airlines and Pegasus Airlines announced free tickets for all those from affected areas to Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya and other safer locations. Universities and college hostels have opened their doors for the affected.
Mehmet Vidirim, a Gaziantep resident, tells his horror story of the earthquake and aftershocks. He was awoken early in the morning during the first earthquake. He and fellow neighbours decided to wait until the aftershocks subsided before heading back inside but it never did. Due to this, he and many others in his position decided to leave the area and head for safer ground.
Vidirim explains the fear he and those around him were going through. The nights are bitter cold and he is worried about those who are sleeping on the streets. Vidirim is on his way to Istanbul to stay with a sibling until things are safe.
Mazul Sahin, another Gaziantep resident, explains his biggest worry for those who are impacted is the severe cold and prays there are no longer aftershocks of earthquakes to come.
Elder Görkem recounted his experience with the earthquake. He kept his family calm during the terrifying moments. While the family and the belongings are safe, he prays for all those that have been impacted. He was evacuated with his aunt to Ankara this morning.
Through all of this there are those like Muhammed, who fled Syria for a better life, and now must face this new hardship in their path. In the video, taken by Salaamedia’s on the ground reporter Hasina Gori, Muhammed explains the terrifying moment of being in his apartment building during the earthquake.
The earthquake happened early Monday morning around 4:15am. The building shook and swayed before they were able to get out of the building as it started to rain. People from his building rushed to the streets and into their cars and hurried to a nearby park. After the earthquake and aftershocks subsided, they returned home to find their building was intact. However, the aftershocks had started once again and he decided it was better to take his family to his sister’s place in Istanbul until it was safer.
Temperatures in Turkey continue to plummet during the night and many are concerned about those sleeping on the streets. While tents are being provided to them, it does little to shelter and keep them warm in the bitter cold temperatures.
