On Monday, February 6th, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook southern Turkey and northern Syria, demolishing buildings, killing and injuring thousands of people. As rescue workers and residents rushed to search for survivors, hundreds of strong aftershocks followed, causing further destruction and putting first responders at risk. The major earthquake is one of the strongest to hit the region in over a century!
The 7.8 magnitude quake and aftershocks have damaged roads, buildings, border crossings, and critical infrastructure, impeding rescue operations. According to reports, the earthquake left tens of thousands of people dead and many more injured. It is evident that the earthquake will worsen the ongoing humanitarian crises in Lebanon and Syria.
In Syria, the earthquake-affected areas host the highest number of families displaced by conflict. Countries worldwide are offering their support to help the affected men, women, and children. With alomost 5 million people left homeless in Syria only, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is urging the international community to help and increase funding to facilitate rescue operations in Turkey and Syria.
