The deaths due to Turkey Earthquakes have crossed 35,000. The rescue operations are still being carried out, but the hope of finding many more survivors is fading out despite some miraculous rescues. According to WHO, more than 23 million people have been affected by this natural disaster which has shaken the whole world.

What was the magnitude of the earthquake, and where did it occur?

According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred in Gaziantep city at 04:17 local time (01:17 GMT). The earthquake’s magnitude was 7.8, with a depth of 17.9 kilometers (11 miles). According to seismologists, the first earthquake was the biggest ever recorded in Turkey in the last century. The survivors have reported that the shaking continued for almost two minutes. The second earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.5, occurred almost within 9 hours of the first and had its epicenter in the Elbistan region of the Kahramanmaras province. The area is still seeing several earthquakes. Throughout Monday, the number of fatalities and injuries in Turkey and Syria has dramatically risen.

How many people were affected by the earthquake?

After almost a week since the Turkey earthquakes occurred on February 6 and 7, 2023, the death toll has surpassed 35,000 in Turkey and Syria. Both the local populace and the region have been significantly impacted by the earthquake. The government, humanitarian agencies, and emergency responders are all still working to help the victims and look for survivors as part of the ongoing response operation.

The extremely cold weather has made it more difficult for the tens of thousands of rescuers in their operations, thereby adding to the misery of millions of those who are in need of assistance. And not only this, but now, loot is also happening, and neighborhoods are being destroyed. According to state media, dozens of people have been detained for looting or attempting to scam victims in Turkey after the earthquake. Certain humanitarian efforts have been delayed due to security concerns.

The following graphical representation shows the data on deaths in Turkey Since 1930 due to earthquakes:

What was the extent of the damage caused by the earthquake?

Numerous recordings document the moment that thousands of buildings in both countries crumbled as witnesses fled for cover. There are vast heaps of wreckage as far as the eye can perceive, and several structures that were as tall as 12 storeys have been demolished. Gaziantep Castle, a more than 2,000-year-old historical site, was one of the structures that were demolished. Buildings and infrastructure in the impacted area sustained substantial damage due to the earthquake. Fatih Donmez, Turkey’s energy minister, revealed that there had been significant infrastructural damage. Large fires may be seen in videos that have surfaced, indicating damage to Turkey’s energy infrastructure. As informed by social media users, these fires were allegedly caused by damaged gas pipelines.

Impact on the local economy

Businesses and infrastructure in the affected area are predicted to be negatively impacted by the earthquake, which is expected to have a severe effect on the local economy. There may be a great deal of infrastructure that has to be fixed or rebuilt, which will likely require a lot of time and money.

Response of the government and other organizations

Quickly after the earthquake, the Turkish government dispatched medical staff and search and rescue teams to help in the response. The Red Cross and other international organizations deployed teams and supplies to aid in the relief effort. People who were impacted by the earthquake received housing, food, and medical attention from the Turkish Red Crescent and other assistance organizations.

What steps are being taken to assist those affected by the Turkey earthquakes?

The Turkish government and aid organizations are striving to give individuals impacted by the earthquake shelter, food, and medical attention. In addition, rescuers are still helping with evacuation attempts and searching for survivors. In the frigid and icy weather, rescuers have been searching through piles of wreckage for survivors. A state of emergency has been declared by the government, allowing for the allocation of more resources to the response effort. Worldwide, nations are sending equipment, sniffer dogs, and specialized crews to assist in rescue operations.

Qatar has shipped 10,000 cabins that were made for World cup 2022 to both Turkey and Syria. These cabins will serve as homes for the millions who have lost their houses.

What can be done to prevent similar disasters in the future?

After looking at the destructive impact and scale of these Turkey earthquakes, it is crucial to think about what can be done to stop disasters like this from happening again. Unfortunately, earthquakes cannot be completely prevented, as they are caused by the movement of tectonic plates, which are a natural part of the Earth’s geology.

However, some measures can be taken to reduce the impacts of earthquakes and mitigate their damage.

• Building Codes: Adopting and enforcing strict building codes that require structures to be built to withstand earthquakes can significantly reduce the damage caused by earthquakes.
• Seismic Retrofitting: Existing buildings can be retrofitted or strengthened to improve their resistance to earthquakes.
• Land-Use Planning: Careful land-use planning can help to reduce the impacts of earthquakes by avoiding buildings in areas that are prone to earthquakes, landslides, or other geological hazards.
• Early Warning Systems: Developing and implementing early warning systems can give people time to prepare for an incoming earthquake, allowing them to take cover and reduce their exposure to harm.
• Public Education: Raising public awareness and education about earthquakes, their causes, and how to prepare for them can also help to reduce their impacts.

In conclusion, while earthquakes cannot be completely prevented, measures can be taken to reduce their impacts and protect people and communities from harm.