DRJ Statement on Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria

On the early morning of February 6, a 7.8 earthquake directly affected Central and South Turkey, and the North and West regions of Syria. Seismic activity has continued since then with the latest 5.6 tremor occurring on February 27th. The catastrophic loss of lives in both countries exceeds 50,000 and 129,491 are reported injured. Additionally, 1.5 million people are homeless in Turkey and Syria, during winter months. This includes Syrians living as refugees in southeastern Turkey. 

The massive destruction of infrastructure in both countries has caused severe disruption of existing public services and ongoing response efforts. There have been citizen protests against the Turkish government for not enforcing stipulated earthquake codes through ‘construction amnesties’ and for a lethargic response. In turn, the government has arrested protesters, nearly 200 people accused of substandard construction, and 78 people charged with sharing provocative social media posts. In Syria, response complexities are exacerbated in non-state opposition controlled region. Responder safety is tenuous, and resource access to people in need cannot be assured.  

At Disaster Researchers for Justice we express deep sympathy to the people affected in these earthquakes. We stand with the people involved in securing humanitarian-informed response and long-term recovery in both countries.