Deadly Earthquakes A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Türkiye (Turkey) and Syria in the early morning hours of February 6, followed by a second powerful quake and more than100 aftershocks, killing at least 50,000 people, injuring tens of thousands, collapsing countless buildings, and posing a staggering humanitarian crisis in a region already struggling with manmade crises from years of war, refugees fleeing conflict and economic instability. It was the strongest earthquake in the region in nearly a century and the aftershocks continue with the recent quakes causing more panic and death. The death toll rose as massive rescue operations transitioned to search and recovery and the winter cold threatened survivors. The disaster has affected millions of people in the region as many lack food, water and shelter. With major damage to health facilities in Türkiye and Syria, access to basic health care becomes an immediate concern. Americares is offering assistance to partner organizations in Türkiye and Syria and is responding with medicine, relief supplies and emergency funding to help survivors access health services. Updated 3/21/2023 (Photo: Jeff Kennel) Please click on the arrow and meet Abdul, telling the story of how he and his family survived the earthquake.