Unfortunately, in this world, earthquakes occur across the globe. These disasters have different severities: “great” (magnitude of 8.0 or more), “major” (7.1-7.9), “large” (6.0-6.9), or “moderate” (5.0-5.9). Scientists have analyzed that an earthquake of 7.0 magnitude has a power equivalent to 32 Hiroshima atomic bombs. 

Therefore, in reality, it is not weird to expect mass destruction from these earthquakes, and recently, this disaster struck southern and central Turkey and northern and western Syria on February 6th, 2023. 

At least 41,020 people have died in Turkey, and about 5,800 have been reported to have died in Syria, and sadly, the death toll continues to rise. Thousands have gone missing, and millions of others have become homeless. A Turkish celebrity Idris Talha Kartav was found dead in the debris and the Turkish actress Cansu Dere Fallece died in the disaster.

Furthermore, if you are Korean, it is hard to not know who Kim Yeon Koung (김연경) is. She played in the Turkish Women’s Volleyball league; from the disaster, many volleyball players including some of her teammates, have been found as bodies. 

However, Turkey is not ignored by the world; Croatia is sending 40 personnel and 10 dogs, rescue equipment, and vans to Turkey. Japan is sending a group of about 75 rescue workers to Turkey. South Korea will dispatch a 60-person search and rescue team and send medical supplies to Turkey. 

The UNHCR is currently in Turkey and Syria providing high thermal blankets, mattresses, kitchen sets, plastic sheeting, jerry cans, sleeping mats, winter clothing kits, and winter jackets.

Recently, some schools in Korea have also helped out the people suffering from the earthquake, starting a drive to send out clothing, food, or other necessities for people that lost their roofs above their heads. 

Death and injury tolls are increasing from the earthquake, as it had a magnitude of “major,” the kind possible of causing mass destruction, but with people’s constant awareness of this issue, it is evident that people are not taking this issue lightly. 

The takeaway from this event is the importance of awareness around the world; people across the globe have contributed in some way to help these people out. Regardless of whether you send one blanket or a MacBook Pro, for those people that lost everything in a blink of an eye, anything is valuable. As of now, they are struggling to even put food on the table, as everything has been destroyed. It is important to note that all of us are fully aware of what is going on in this world to make sure that when crises like such arise, we can aid these people to the best of our capabilities. 

황동원 강남포스트 학생기자  webmaster@ignnews.kr

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