On Monday, February 6, 7.7 and 7.8 magnitude earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria, killing more than 11,000 people and injuring tens of thousands more. This is one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the region in more than 100 years, and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.
The earthquake caused widespread damage, with thousands of buildings collapsing in both Turkey and Syria. Aid agencies are particularly concerned about northwestern Syria, where more than 4 million people already relied on humanitarian assistance before the quake struck.
To make matters worse, freezing weather conditions are further endangering survivors and complicating rescue efforts, and more than 100 aftershocks have struck the region since Monday’s earthquake. As we stay updated on what is happening on the ground, we hear many heartbreaking stories.
Khalil al Shami experienced something truly heartbreaking while digging through the rubble of his brother’s building. In a place marked by tragedy, Khalil was presented with bittersweet joy: he discovered that his late sister-in-law had given birth during her struggle to escape – and though she did not survive, her newborn child would live on thanks to Khalil’s compassionate efforts. He tenderly severed the umbilical cord amidst dust, dirt and despair before hearing a miraculous cry from life emerging in even such dire conditions.
This is just one of many stories. As rescue efforts continue, we remain hopeful that more survivors will be found. But in the meantime, our thoughts are with those who have lost so much.
At a children’s hospital in Afrin, Syria a baby girl receives treatment inside an incubator after being pulled from the rubble. Ghaith Alsayed/AP
The Turkey-Syria earthquake has devastated the region, with thousands of people dead, injured, or homeless. If you want to help support survivors, donate to Muslimi’s partner, Humaniti. When you donate, you can help provide food, water, shelter, medical aid, and more. Please give what you can. Every little bit helps when disaster strikes.
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