Turkey and Syria are still reeling from an earthshaking tragedy. On February 6, 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southern and central Turkey and western Syria. This deadly event is one of the region's strongest earthquakes on record and was followed by several aftershocks. In Turkey and Syria, the death toll has climbed to over 11,000, with tens of thousands of injuries.
Amid the suffering, miraculous rescues have occurred. A newborn baby was pulled from the rubble, as was a 5-year-old boy. Social media has been instrumental for many to receive aid.
In the small town of Jandaris, Syria, a newborn baby girl was saved from the wreckage of what used to be her family’s home. The stress of the earthquake may have caused her mother to go into labor. The baby's umbilical cord was still attached.
Sadly, the rest of her family perished in the quake. The baby was rushed to a nearby hospital. A video showing the miraculous rescue is captivating the internet.
Another phenomenal rescue took place in the Syrian village of Qatma. A boy around 4 or 5 years old was rescued. His name is Ahmed.
He was trapped under a concrete slab until rescuers were able to free him. He fell asleep Sunday night safe in his home only to wake up to his home crumbling around him. His house was destroyed in the earthquake.
Social media is being used by the Turkish and Syrian people to help their fellow citizens in this time of crisis. Posts in Facebook groups show everyday heroes taking care of their neighbors, as emergency personnel are stretched thin. It is heartwarming to see.
Telegram, an instant message service, has also gotten in on the action. One channel on the app with 4,000 members has a post that states: “No one should sit idly. Maybe we will come to someone's need, let them know that we are with them. Maybe we will raise their voice.”
An organization named Ahbap Derneği has created a map of free resources for victims of the earthquake. These "Earthquake Safe Zones" can provide food and shelter for those in need. The internet is also playing another important role in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Social media and apps are also being used by families of missing people searching for their loved ones. It provides another tool for them to be able to give and get information. Photos and addresses can be shared in order to find loved one’s whereabouts.
