2023 off to a Shaky Start:
Killer Earthquake in Turkey and Syria
By: Nora Balidemaj
What were usually beautiful mornings creeping in at dawn, at 4:17 AM on February 6th, 2023 a 7.8 magnitude earthquake awoke the countries of Turkey and Syria with destruction, aftershocks, and a rising death toll. Presently with approximately 47,000 confirmed dead, the inhabitants of the countries in West Asia and the Middle East continue to scour the ruins of their once thriving cities for signs of survivors and victims. 
Earthquakes happen when two plates are near a transform boundary. When the two plates meet, they slide off of each other creating tension and stress which projects in a shake of the ground. The richter scale determines how strong the earthquake was with 1 being the lowest and 9 being the highest.
The first earthquake that hit the border of Turkey and Syria had a magnitude of 7.8. That is equivalent to more than 20 billion kg of TNT damage on the ground. With increasing death tolls, about 47,000 people have been pronounced dead. “Why are these increasing, the earthquake was two weeks ago?”, you may ask. The answer is simply because Turkey & Syria have very high populations and although this major earthquake happened a couple of weeks ago there are so many people under the destroyed construction. People would come together, go quiet, and focus on all types of sounds they can get from under the construction. This is how some people survived.
In sheer disbelief, on February 20th, 2023 Turkey and Syria experienced yet another earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3. Although this earthquake was lower on the richter scale, people say it was stronger than ever. “Two Reuters reporters said the tremors were strong and lasting, damaging buildings and leaving dust in the night air in central Antakya city, where it was centered. It was also felt in Egypt and Lebanon, Reuters reporters said”. Some even consider this a “major aftershock”; aftershocks are smaller earthquakes after a larger one.
Although us New Yorkers can’t do too much to help our brothers and sisters in Turkey, what we can do is donate. I took responsibility in buying dry foods, sanitary products, and donating clothes that I don’t need anymore. This can be done by anyone! Go to a local mosque or the Turkish Embassy in Midtown and donate as much as possible. Not only will it help the people of Turkey and Syria, but you will feel accomplished and happy that you helped. I know I did! If not, it is important to educate yourself on this topic and to feel for the people in these countries because there are people at our age suffering.
Sources:
Most recent earthquake: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/magnitude-63-earthquake-strikes-turkey-syria-border-region-emsc-2023-02-20/
Feb 6th earthquake:
Links to help:
Turkish Embassy in Midtown (821 First Ave)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CodSiwVLb2u/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=