Natural disasters are some of the most heartbreaking incidents to occur throughout Earth’s existence and the human society as a whole. From earthquakes and tsunamis to tornados and hurricanes, the rebuilding and strength required to recover from such unfortunate events is monumental and not for the faint of heart. Most occasions that have been caused by natural disasters have left an impact beyond the affected’s community, city, or even country. Rather, the impact made reverberates globally, especially with heavy advancements in technology and news-spreading over the last century or so. Turkey however, has dealt with two earthquakes in a three-week span, adding more to the trauma and fear that already grips a nation by a strong hold.
Unlike some famous earthquakes (such as the 1906 San Francisco earthquake that killed around 3,000), the first earthquake, which happened on February 6th, saw over 43,000 deaths alone and created mass havoc in both Turkey and neighboring Syria. The 7.8 magnitude scale placed it in a select company of one of the strongest earthquakes ever in world history. An aftershock the next day decimated more buildings and led to massive chaos throughout the struggling nation as well.
The New York Times reported that around 1.7 million people were forced out into evacuation due to the destruction that happened to their homes. Only slightly bolstered by an enormous amount of international aid, civilians were forced to set up temporary tents and shelters outside, both of which are simply not possible for long-term living.
In the days following the first earthquake, Turkey was rebounding with repairs of infrastructure when another earthquake, this time with a slightly lower magnitude of 6.3, saw Turkey sway under the continual battering of the ground shaking. Buildings were once again toppled, with many citizens deciding to flee the country. NYT reported that over 800,000 people have left the designated “quake zone” in search of a safer place to stay. Those that remain continue to have fear over what comes next as the government remains in shambles.
The natural disasters that have happened in Turkey have led to grief and great sadness, but maybe a plea of humanity as well. Countries must unite for the sake of lands whose usual lives have been severely upended from unprovoked consequences.
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Image Credits: Unal Cam / AP
