We’re here to discuss the recent earthquakes that have hit Turkey and Syria, resulting in the deaths of over 29,000 people. The UN warns that the death toll could double, as rescuers in Turkey continue to search for any remaining survivors. However, there are reports of looting and civil unrest in some areas, which is hampering the efforts of emergency crews.
Moments of prayer have been offered for the lives that have been cut short, and as the hope of finding survivors fades, attention turns to burying the dead. In Hutaı Province, scores have been laid to rest in mass graves, as more bodies continue to arrive. On the streets of Antakya, there are concerns over security and civil unrest, with shops being looted and ATMs being ransacked. People are taking diapers, food, and drinks from supermarkets, which is understandable, as there has been no help for days. However, some people are taking cookers and coffee machines, which is strange.
“We watch our houses, our vehicles. Loot our houses? Unfortunately, there’s nothing to say. We’re devastated, upset. What we are experiencing is like a nightmare,” says one resident.
Dozens of people have been arrested, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned those who are looting and committing other crimes that they will feel the firm hand of the state on their backs. German rescue workers and Austrian soldiers were temporarily forced to halt operations due to growing security concerns.
The security situation is becoming more tense because food and water supplies are running out, and people are out searching for them. The hope that people had is now increasingly fading, and that hope can turn into anger.
Almost a week on from the earthquake, the importance of protecting the rescue operation is clear. A 12-year-old child has been pulled from the rubble, which was a rare moment of visible relief.
We’re now joined by Imad Bazi with the International Network for Aid Relief and Assistance in Nara, who is currently in Arena, Turkey. Imad, it’s been almost a week since the quakes hit. How would you describe the situation right now?
“Well, with all the aid arriving from all around the world, rescue workers’ organizations, everybody is coming together now. Now it’s time to put the right plans in place and start targeting people who are homeless on the streets and unable to provide their daily needs. So now, the organizations are working with them, and they are able to target more and more people as more people are pulled out of the rubble.”
There have been reports about looting and unrest in parts of Turkey. What have you seen?
“To be honest, I was in Gaziantep, and then I was evacuated, so I did not see looting myself. But we have heard reports that looting has been going on in areas like the government promised to tackle this issue. They have arrested some people, and the president, Erdogan, said he will make sure that this is not happening again, and the police are now patrolling the areas. Some people are looting because of their desperate need for food, water, and supplies. Others are looting just because it’s a chance for them to get whatever they can get from houses that have collapsed or have easy access to. We can’t say for sure, but that’s happening in areas where the earthquake hit the most.”
How does that social unrest impact the work you’re trying to do?
“Again, we can’t see much social unrest at the moment in all areas, but we are also concerned about the safety of our workers, the teams that are on the ground, and people that are trying to move and dig into the rubble.”
In conclusion, the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have claimed the lives of over 29,000 people and are expected to double. The rescue efforts are ongoing, but there have been reports of looting and civil unrest in some areas, which are hampering the emergency crews. The situation is dire, with people left homeless and unable to provide their daily needs. The international community has come together to provide aid and assistance, but the magnitude of this disaster is huge. It is important to protect the rescue operation, and the authorities are working to tackle the issue of looting and unrest. The safety of rescue workers and teams on the ground is a major concern, as they continue to search for survivors and work to provide assistance to those affected. Our thoughts are with those impacted by this tragedy, and we hope that the situation improves soon.
Prayers for Turkey and Syria
I keep watching these updates with tears in my eyes. So horrible. I pray for more survivors. I pray for peace. I pray for comfort.
Isn’t it weird these tragic events, no matter where they happen, never seem to affect Presidents, or other elites? I just find it strange… Anyway, I’m incredibly sorry for the losses these poor people have endured. Many prayers for everyone. May God Himself comfort you all. Also, I watched something recently about Turkey’s amazing and elaborate cave systems, or cities, that’s been around for hundreds of years. If they were strong enough and survived these earthquakes, could they be used now to temporarily house people who have no shelter??
In crisis like this it is expected that looting attempts to occur but the measures seem to be fast put in place. Interventions have begun by the police, military and the Ministry of Justice and even by the citizens who are video taping the events and perpetrators and reporting to the authorities.
Once the food runs out it’s really going to get bad. There’s nothing worse than hunger pains. A human will do whatever it takes to calm that pain. They will even eat each other.
This earthquake is a example of corruption by local businessman developers and governments. Building structures that are not safe and building codes are not followed.
They should be training communities near fault lines how to do this rescue work. If the citizens were trained, they could be helping and finding so many more ppl before they die, as well as training pet dogs to detect dead and live bodies. For anyone interested, there r groups u can join in many areas of the world to help when a canine is needed locally or not, depending on ur interests. I used to do this work and it’s not difficult at all to train any dog who isn’t afraid to climb on the rubble or search in the wilderness settings. These citizens should create there own group so they can help each other next time this happens. It’s such a shame there r so many hands but few who r helping. Prayers for all impacted by this quake.
Under these circumstances, looting for survival such as food, water, warm clothing is understandable but looting for luxury goods is unacceptable. Where is the army or the Turkish version of the national guard? It’s astounding that I haven’t seen any reports showing an army or civil defense presence.