Earthquake in Turkey and Syria
POSTED March 3, 2023
On February 6, 2023, a series of earthquakes struck Turkey, Syria, and surrounding countries. This natural disaster has led to a global crisis in an area that was already struggling due to oppression, war, and unrest.
Due to the 7.5 and 7.8 earthquakes being on the richer scale, there have been over 47,000 people found dead and over 75,000 others injured as of 2/27/23. Most of the deaths and injuries were caused by buildings falling as a result of poor structural integrity. Over 6,000 “first-class quality” buildings collapsed, leaving tens of thousands of families homeless.
The devastating earthquake was caused by decades of slow lateral movement, around 0.59 inches a year according to https://www.dw.com/. According to npr.org, “The Arabian Peninsula is part of a tectonic plate that is making its way north into the Eurasian Plate, and the entire nation of Turkey is getting squeezed aside.”
The recent tremor is considered a “Strike-Slip” earthquake. According to USGS.gov, a “Strike-Slip” earthquake is when a partially vertical fracture occurs where the blocks have mostly moved horizontally.
Earthquakes are common in Turkey and Syria; many scientists say that these countries were overdue for a big one. The earthquake was the biggest in over 80 years.
Syria and Turkey already were already going through a rough time because of the many rebellions, collapsing/collapsed economy, violence, and war. Although Turkey and Syria are officially republics, they still have many political problems.
Many have tried to come to the aid of Turkey and Syria. Saudi Arabia launched an online donation campaign that has raised over $100 million in just one week. More than 500,000 people have donated money through Saudi Arabia’s campaign. Saudi Arabia has also transported planes with food, medical supplies, water, and shelter supplies. They have also sent over rescue teams to help clear people out of the rubble.
Iran along with the U.N. and The United States have also helped during this tough time. Iran has given other critical supplies while the U.N. has launched a $397 million appeal. The United States pledged $185 million as well as providing critical supplies.
The Syrian civil defense (also known as “The White Helmets”) has helped in Syria a tremendous amount. They have rescued over 2,900 survivors and helped clean up the rubble. The white helmets are known for providing urgent support for Syria’s earthquake survivors. All White Helmets are volunteers risking their lives to help others. If you would like to help please donate by clicking this link.
https://www.bbc.com/news/64568826
https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/turkey-syria-earthquake-updates-2-9-23-intl/index.html
https://www.npr.org/2023/02/07/1154913148/turkey-earthquake-fault-lines-syria
https://www.whitehelmets.org/en/
https://www.voanews.com/a/muslims-rush-to-aid-turkey-syria/6966287.html