The Quaking of Thousands of Deaths - The Turkey/Syria Earthquake of 2023
By Keenan W.
rubble by Gueholl from Getty Images Signature Created in Canva
On February 6, 2023, an Mw 7.8 earthquake that lasted for 80 seconds struck southern and central Turkey and northern and western Syria. About nine hours later, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake occurred 59 miles (95 kilometers) to the southwest. To date, the earthquake has killed more than 50,000 people and injured infinitely more.
In more than 20 years, Turkey has not experienced an earthquake as strong as the one in 1939, which was the most powerful recorded there. The event was centered near Gaziantep in south-central Turkey, which is home to thousands of Syrian refugees and many humanitarian aid organizations (Disaster Philanthropy). There have now been more than 50,000 deaths in Turkey and Syria since the earthquakes struck earlier this month, according to the latest figures from both countries (Aljazeera).
Responses to the earthquake were slow, which caused many of the survivors, who were buried beneath the damage for days, to perish. Millions of citizens and families of both countries are further displaced and homeless because of the earthquake and its damage, along with many of the Syrian refugees in the area. Making matters worse is the current winterization of the area. The settling of winter has had its own disastrous effects on the now homeless people of Turkey and Syria after the earthquakes. “Snow and bitter winter weather have placed children at great risk of hypothermia as they struggle to survive in sub-zero temperatures. Many survivors have had to sleep in cars, outside, or in makeshift shelters” (World Vision).
For those in the area, it will take many months, and years, to rebuild Turkey and Syria after this damaging event. Disaster-relief and humanitarian organizations are doing what they can to help. For the rest of us placed across the world, we can only look on as disaster-relief goes on. All we can do from the sidelines is to pray, to be encouraging, and help and donate where we can.
Here at NSA, our thoughts are with those affected by the earthquake, some of NSA’s families are undoubtedly a part of it. As Mr. Hester, NSA’s Spiritual Life Leader, states, “Our NSA community has been praying for all of our community members and friends who have been affected by these earthquakes. We love Syria and Turkey!”
Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with Turkey and Syria.
Columns: 🔎Informational
Keenan W. is in 12th Grade and has been with NSA since 2019. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her family after moving from South Africa. Keenan plays both the piano and the mandolin. She is also an avid reader, loves music, and enjoys watching 2000s movies. Some of her interests include psychology, criminal justice, international relations, business, leadership, and politics. She hopes to help and serve others through whatever her career may be.