On the 6th February an earthquake struck the countries of Turkey and Syria and it hit hard!
The earthquake registered 7.9 magnitude on the Richter scale – which means it caused very serious damage. It also had an aftershock which shows it was an extremely dangerous time.
The BBC reported that “more than 20,000 are known to have died” with the number most likely to rise because of starvation and a lack of water. Apartment blocks have fallen on the 9th February and even now people are still being rescued.
The Guardian website has the story of Aya whose “mother died after giving birth to her under the rubble of their home.” Aya is Arabic for ‘a sign from God.’ The report goes on to explain “Rescue workers in Jenderis discovered Aya on Monday afternoon, more than 10 hours after the quake hit, as they were digging through the wreckage of the five storey apartment building where their parents lived. Buried under the concrete the baby was still connected by the umbilical chord…”
The UK is helping with vital items and according to gov.uk will be providing “a field hospital and C130 Hercules critical care air support team and aircraft in the coming days to help provide vital emergency treatment to those critically injured by the catastrophic earthquake in Turkey.”
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “The UK stands ready to assist our close allies and friends during this terrible time. We will keep options open for further assistance as requested.”
If you would like to donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal visit their website.
Please leave your comments and thoughts below.
By Marian Yr6
Burgh Le Marsh Primary
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