On February 6, 2023, twin earthquakes measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale struck southern Türkiye, causing widespread devastation in cities across southern Türkiye and northern Syria.
In the early hours of the morning, the first powerful quake shook the region, awakening residents and collapsing buildings. Just hours later, at 1:24 p.m., a second equally strong tremor compounded the destruction, leaving communities in shock and despair.
CGTN stringer Neyran Elden felt compelled to document the unfolding tragedy. Determined to reach the worst-hit areas, she embarked on a daunting overnight journey to Adana, a city near the epicenter. The road ahead was fraught with challenges as heavy snowfall blanketed the region, forcing her to alter her route multiple times.
“Every path seemed impassable,” Elden recounted. “But the stories of those affected needed to be told.”
When she finally arrived in Adana, the scenes were heart-wrenching. Rescue teams worked tirelessly amidst the rubble, searching for survivors as families huddled together in the cold. The weight of the disaster was palpable, yet so was the resilience of the people.
Elden will continue her on-the-ground reporting, bringing to light the experiences of those impacted by the earthquakes. Her dedication underscores the crucial role of journalism in times of crisis, providing the world with a window into the human stories behind the headlines.
Reference(s):
Turkish Stringer Earthquake Diary | Episode 1: Heading to the epicenter
cgtn.com
