The earthquake has caused damage to the infrastructure and people of the land Photo Hasina Gori
Turkey – In Turkey’s south-east Altinozu district a verdant olive grove is cleaved into two creating a valley 984 feet long (300 metres) and 130 feet deep (40 metres). Its creation is another show of what the World Health Organization is calling the worst natural disaster in 100 years.
The disaster, with a combined death toll of 42 209, has razed cities to the ground and left countless homeless in freezing winter temperatures. The death toll is expected to rise significantly as thousands of people still lie under the rubble in the hardest hit areas.
Destruction caused by the earthquake
The olive grove is just one example of the destruction this powerful earthquake left. Areas like Iskendrun, Antakya in Hatay, Gaziantep and Kahramanmaras which were once filled with life have been turned into ghost towns. Almost nothing is left in these areas with even basic infrastructure being destroyed.
Entire communities have been destroyed within a blink of an eye. Shops, houses, apartments and places of worship lay crumpled along the sidewalk. Those that still stand are not left unscathed. According to the government of Turkey, 47 000 buildings have been deemed beyond repair and are already being demolished. Of those 47 000 buildings, 21 000 are apartments housing on average four to six people per home.
Entire communities have been razed to the grounds. Buildings lay on top of one another. Every standing building carries a scar of the earthquake. Eventually, these buildings will have to be torn down as well Video Hasina Gori
The historical Yeni Camii (New Mosque), located in the city center of Türkiye’s southeastern Malatya, was destroyed in the earthquake. The mosque was restored and opened for worship last year after it was destroyed in earthquakes in 1894 and damaged again in 1964 Video Hasina Gori
The olive grove was cleaved into two creating a valley 984 feet long (300 metres) and 130 feet deep (40 metres) Photo WION
Residents take rest as they wait on. Taking rest on anything they can find. Their weary bodies finally giving up and needing time to heal Photo Hasina Gori
Whatever little remains is being kept safe by residents. Pillows, blankets and even stuffed toys. This is where a family now lives. Many buildings are either destroyed or uninhabitable Photo Hasina Gori
The buildings that have not come crushing down and in a state of disrepair. The columns are just barely holding on. There are many buildings like these and in the coming days, they will be demolished Photo Hasina Gori
In the background is a dump truck likely filled with the remains of the many buildings that have come crushing down Photo Hasina Gori
Buildings and shops are being emptied. Goods are being taken out in fear of it being looted. Shopkeepers hope they can rebuild once the dust has settled Photo Hasina Gori
This shop in Matalya has been emptied. The owner was seen trying to salvage any goods left in his business. There are fears that whatever is left could be looted Photo Hasina Gori
The city of Malatya’s economic area was also devastated. Shop owners could be seen trying to get into their business and salvage any goods that remain. This also as community fear looting after the devastating earthquakes shook the Turkish southern area. Cold weather and dwindling supplies have left many in the affected areas evacuating Video Hasina Gori
Unlike Turkey, Syria already hosted the highest number of internally displaced persons in the world with nearly 80% displaced for five or more years. This number is likely to increase as it is reported that 11 000 homes are completely destroyed with an additional 6 213 buildings partially destroyed or uninhabitable.
SMread: Citizens in Kahramanmaras do what they must to survive
Survivors and evacuation
Almost 200 hours after the 7.6 and 7.8 magnitude earthquakes struck there are still survivors being found. As the hours pass, there is less and less hope that survivors will be found. According to the United Nations, the rescue phase is coming to a close with the focus turning to shelter, food and schooling.
According to the Ministry of Disaster and Emergency Management (AFAD) 195 962 residents from the 10-city zone have been evacuated to other provinces with a further 2 million evacuating by their own means. The shelter needs of 1.6 million people have been met, of which 890 000 are in public dormitories, facilities and 50 000 in local hospitals. The Government of Turkey has pledged to reimburse travel and accommodation expenses for one year to those who have been impacted by the earthquake. Universities have also switched to online classes and are being used to house survivors.
Those who have moved to other cities have been welcomed with open arms. Nasirah Kathrada, a South African studying in Turkey, explained how students and locals of Bursa have happily welcomed survivors and tried their best to give them what they need regardless of their financial status.
“The Turkish youth have seriously impressed me. Students of Bursa Uludağ University have come together to take care of several families from Gaziantep and have even started their own drop-off-point for other students to donate. Students, despite being students, have sacrificed their own money, time and possessions to help victims of the earthquake and expect absolutely nothing in return.”
Psychological help for those in need
Around 115 546 people have survived with 105 505 being from Turkey. Of those 13 208 are still under treatment. For those who have survived, Post Tramutic Stress Disorder is a real concern. With 3 170 aftershocks being reported, many are still fearful of entering any buildings. This emphasises a need for psycho-social support in all relief efforts. AFDA reports four mobilized Social Service Centers in Kahramanmaras, Hatay, Osmaniye and Malatya. A number of personnel have been deployed to provide support to 256 605 people impacted with PTSD and other psychological impacts.
SMread: Turkey’s Hatay devastated by massive earthquake
The situation in Syria
While Turkey has heavy machinery and vehicles capable of moving the rubble, Syria is not as lucky. The White Helmets, a local rescue organisation, began digging through the rubble often with their bare hands. While Turkey was assisted with heavy machinery, the cries of the White Helmets were not heard. Syrians trapped in oppostion-controlled areas had to wait for four days before basic supplies were delivered to them. The late arrival was due to the only border crossing being damaged by the earthquake.
Relief efforts have significantly scaled up in the past few days as the UN has negotiated with Bashar al-Assad to allow them to use two other border crossings. The wait to get much needed supplies and heavy machinery has cost many lives. With Syria battling a cholera outbreak and medical support stretched thin, much more urgency is needed from the UN if anymore lives are to be saved.
