#Earthquake in #Turkey : a summary by @tantely On February 6, 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southeast Turkey near the Syrian border, causing widespread damage and loss of life. The death toll across both countries was over 2,800, with the majority of casualties in Turkey. A second earthquake of 7.5 magnitude struck Turkey later in the day, compounding the disaster. The earthquakes caused the collapse of many buildings, trapping people under the rubble, and also led to large fires in southern Turkey due to damage to gas pipelines. Thousands of people have been injured in the earthquakes. The earthquakes are considered to be one of the strongest to hit the region in a century, and have affected southeast parts of Turkey, which are home to millions of refugees from Syria and other conflict-affected areas. The United Nations has declared the situation in Syria as precarious and rising rapidly, with over 75% of sub-districts in the country under severe conditions. International leaders including President Biden and UN Secretary General António Guterres have offered aid and assistance, and countries including the UK, France, Germany, and the US have also offered support. NATO and Israel are sending support to Turkey, and various organizations including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the Syrian American Medical Society, UNICEF, The White Helmets, and Turkish Red Crescent are offering assistance. The Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has expressed sympathy for the victims of the disaster and called for national unity in response to the crisis. In the wake of the disaster, schools in ten cities have been suspended for at least a week. People can support the relief efforts by donating to organizations such as the Turkish Red Crescent and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.