An earthquake struck Turkey and neighboring northwest Syria on Monday, causing widespread destruction and leaving thousands dead or injured. The death toll has risen to over 3,700, with 2,316 reported dead in Turkey and 1,444 in Syria. Freezing winter weather has complicated rescue efforts, and poor internet connections and damaged roads have hindered assessments of the impact. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.8, was the biggest recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey since August 2021.
The earthquake hit during the night, making it difficult for rescuers to reach trapped individuals. In the Turkish city of Iskenderun, rescuers searched through rubble from a collapsed state hospital in search of survivors. In Syria, the effects of the quake were compounded by the destruction caused by more than 11 years of civil war, and fuel shortages and harsh weather conditions are creating obstacles for relief efforts.
The earthquake originated from the East Anatolian Fault, with the epicenter located about 26 km east of the Turkish city of Nurdagi. The quake radiated towards the northeast, causing destruction in central Turkey and Syria. The earthquake is likely to be one of the deadliest of the decade, according to seismologists.
45 countries have offered to help with search and rescue efforts, and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has declared it a “historic disaster”. Despite the difficulties, relief efforts are underway, and the United Nations is working to find creative ways to reach those in need.
