On February 6, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake shook southern Türkiye in the early hours of the morning, followed by another significant tremor. The quakes caused widespread devastation in cities across southern Türkiye and northern Syria.
As rescue efforts continue, many residents in the hardest-hit areas, such as Hatay Province, face dire conditions with no access to water or electricity. On February 8, CGTN Stringer visited Hatay to speak with locals grappling with the aftermath.
“Everything is gone,” one resident lamented. “We have no supplies, no assistance. We’re pulling bodies from the rubble with our own hands.”
The lack of sufficient aid has left communities relying on themselves to search for survivors and recover the deceased. The scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local resources, highlighting the urgent need for international assistance.
As temperatures plummet at night, survivors are braving the cold without shelter or basic necessities. The disruption of essential services exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, with fears growing for the vulnerable, including children and the elderly.
Global leaders and organizations have pledged support, but the immediate needs on the ground remain immense. Coordinated efforts are crucial to providing relief and initiating reconstruction in the quake-stricken regions.
The resilience of the people in southern Türkiye is evident as they confront this tragedy. However, without prompt and substantial aid, the challenges they face could deepen, prolonging the recovery process.
Reference(s):
Water, electricity off in quake-hit area in Türkiye, bodies unclaimed
cgtn.com
