Reflection on the Earthquake in Turkey and Syria

Türkiye was struck by two devastating earthquakes on 6 February, with thousands of aftershocks that are still happening to this day. This earthquake is a natural disaster which affected the lives of over 13.5 million people in 10 provinces and our neighbouring country, Syria. Although much help was received from the Turkish government and from all around the world, due to the magnitude of the earthquake and the amount of destruction it caused, people are still struggling to find food, shelter, and water.

The first earthquake struck at 4.17 am (local time) and everyone was caught unprepared with their first instinct being to call for help. Some rushed out of their apartments covered in dust unable to see and some had to sit and wait for what lasted like an eternity. People screamed and cried as they helplessly tried to rescue their loved ones beneath tonnes of concrete. When help finally arrived, it was too late for some. All around the country, people sat in front of their screens helplessly watching the news and feeling guilty and anxious for not being able to go there and help. The rescuers spent sleepless nights in the dark and snow trying to find and rescue as many people as they can.

Now, almost a month after the earthquake people are still looking for shelters with many are living in tents and containers. Volunteers all across Türkiye and the world are coming together to help the survivors, and try to support people in one of the most devastating tragedies ever recorded in the country.

On a more personal note, my friends and family were hugely affected by this earthquake, and are trying very hard to help those living in the areas of destruction. We as a country will recover from this earthquake, but it is important not to forget the loss of over 45 thousand lives, and this figure is expected to rise to over 100 thousand. Please remember that Türkiye still needs your help and that this year is going to be very difficult for the people affected by the earthquake, physically and mentally.

If you would like to donate there are many sites including, British Red Cross, AHBAP (Türkiye nongovernmental aid organisation), AFAD (Türkiye disaster and management control), and more. At Roedean, a group of studetns in Year 12 will be holding a charity bake sale to raise funds – please support this if you can.