The devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria earlier this month have now claimed the lives of over 50,000 people, according to the latest figures from both countries. In Turkey alone, 44,218 people have been reported dead, with 5,914 in Syria. The earthquakes measured 7.7 and 7.6 on the Richter scale respectively, and since then, the region has experienced over 9,000 aftershocks.
In response to the disaster, nearly 240,000 rescue workers have been deployed to the 11 quake-hit provinces in Turkey. Despite their efforts, no survivors have been found in recent days. The Turkish government has also evacuated 530,000 people from the affected area and recorded 173,000 buildings as collapsed or severely damaged. An estimated 1.9 million people are now living in temporary shelters or hotels and public facilities.
The United Nations estimates that 8.8 million people have been affected by the earthquakes in Syria, though less information has come from this country due to the ongoing civil war. In Turkey, it is estimated that 20 million people have been affected. Many survivors have been relocated to tents, container homes and other government-sponsored accommodation.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has promised to rebuild homes within a year, though experts have warned that safety should be prioritized over speed. It is clear that some buildings which were designed to withstand tremors have not been able to withstand the force of these earthquakes.
It is clear that the effects of this disaster will be felt for a long time to come. The rescue workers continue to do their best to help those affected by the earthquakes, but it is a difficult and heartbreaking task.