SW News: The earthquakes resulted in more than 29,000 deaths in Syria and Turkey. According to the UN, the region's 800,000 residents urgently want hot meals. The delayed and persistently hindered rescue effort is caused by the frigid weather.
Martin Griffiths, the UN's chief of humanitarian assistance, told reporters that the survivors urgently needed food, housing, and medical care. According to a UN official, the terrible earthquake may have made 5.3 million people homeless in Syria. This enormous number affects a population that has already seen widespread eviction.
The calamity has affected nearly 26 million people, according to the World Health Organization. Turkish authorities have issued more than 100 arrest warrants in connection with the construction of skyscrapers out of anger over the destruction of so many high-rise structures.
Nearly a week after the earthquake, stories of incredible rescues are still coming to light thanks to the collaboration of specialized search and rescue teams from around the world in the impacted areas. A "second calamity," however, is being warned of by aid organizations as a large number of homeless people fight to stay alive in the bitter weather.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis renewed his appeal for concrete help and prayers for all those affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria. “Let us continue to stay close, with prayer and concrete support, to the earthquake victims in Syria and Turkey.”
The Holy Father said, “I saw on the television the images of this catastrophe, the pain of these peoples who are suffering as a result of the earthquake. Let us pray for them, let us not forget them, and let us pray and think about what we can do for them. And let us not forget tormented Ukraine: may the Lord open ways of peace and give those responsible the courage to follow them.”