The Van province of Eastern Turkey was hit by a massive 7.2 magnitude earthquake on Sunday, a disaster that has wreaked untold havoc upon its unsuspecting populace.
As the survivors survey the wreckage of collapsed buildings and rubble, officials have yet to determine the true impact of the earthquake. As they tally up the cost of the damage, and the injuries and lives the tragedy has claimed in the region, which is considered one of the poorest areas of the nation, they will be looking to other nations for assistance.
According to CNN, the city of Erci was hit particularly hard. Twenty-five apartment buildings and a student dormitory collapsed and an unknown number of wounded people were removed from the rubble.
Although the earthquake may not have been of the same magnitude of destruction seen in the Haiti earthquake of 2010 or the Japan earthquake earlier this year, the gravity of the situation must not be taken lightly.
According to the US Geological Survey, a 7.2 magnitude tremor that struck the Duzce province of Turkey in 1999 claimed 894 lives, and 17,000 other citizens were killed when a 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit Izmit that same year.
However, such tragedies can bring out the humanity in nations.
Israel and Turkey’s once-close allegiance turned hostile after nine Turkish activists were killed in the Gaza flotilla raid by Israel, but Israel has offered Turkey aid in recovering from the quake.
Great Britain and Libya offered their condolences; Britain also offered aid.
We at The Daily Cougar wish the best for those affected by the catastrophe, and our hearts go out to the students, faculty and staff here at the University who have family and friends in the country.
We urge our readers to keep Turkey in mind and to offer the nation help and support as the country recovers from the damage in the weeks to come.
