Hatay Province, Türkiye – The sun rises over the devastated landscape of Hatay, revealing the tragic aftermath of the powerful earthquakes that struck southern Türkiye on February 6. Amid the rubble, a desperate mother clings to hope as her pregnant daughter remains buried beneath the ruins of their collapsed home.
The initial 7.8-magnitude earthquake shook the region in the early hours, causing widespread destruction across Türkiye and neighboring Syria. A second quake of the same magnitude struck at 1:24 p.m., compounding the devastation and leading to heavy casualties.
On February 8, CGTN Stringer arrived in Hatay Province to document the unfolding crisis. Residents recounted harrowing tales of survival and loss, with many reporting loved ones still trapped under the debris. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local resources.
“We are waiting for help,” said the mother, her voice fraught with emotion. “My daughter is pregnant, and she’s still under the rubble. We need assistance immediately.”
The situation in Hatay mirrors the desperation felt across affected regions, where families anxiously await news of missing relatives. International aid has begun to trickle in, but time is of the essence as rescuers race against the clock to find survivors.
The earthquakes are among the most powerful to hit the region in recent history, leaving a trail of destruction that has displaced thousands and disrupted critical infrastructure. The international community has expressed solidarity, with multiple countries pledging support for relief efforts.
As the full extent of the disaster unfolds, the resilience of the affected communities remains a beacon of hope. Volunteers and aid workers continue to work tirelessly, embodying the spirit of unity in the face of tragedy.
For those like the mother in Hatay, the wait continues—a poignant reminder of the human stories at the heart of this catastrophe.
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Mother waits for help after pregnant daughter buried under the rubble
cgtn.com
