Annisa Essack | kzn@radioislam.org.za
14 February 2023 / 10:30 AM CAT
2-minute read

Photo Credit: Newsweek

Twin quakes, nine hours apart, that rocked Türkiye and Syria have been ranked as the world’s deadliest natural disasters of this century.

The energy expelled by the earth was twice as devastating as the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945.

More than 35 000 people have been killed, and over 80-thousand people are injured and treated in hospitals, with more than a million being cared for in temporary shelters.

Ayşegül Kandaş, the Ambassador of Turkey to South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini, spoke to Radio Islam International and explained the situation on the ground and their immediate needs.

According to the Ambassador, hope is fading for those still under the rubble, even with people being saved.

The devastation spans over ten cities, double the size of Holland, with some areas completely wiped from the map.

With the widespread destruction, Türkiye appealed for emergency assistance and aid. The AFAD coordinates the efforts of ninety-five countries with more than 200 000 personnel on the ground. More than 10 000 foreign personnel, primarily search-and-rescue teams, work to free thousands of people trapped in collapsed buildings.

She praised six NGOs from South Africa that quickly responded to the situation and were still assisting.

There have been more than 2400 aftershocks since the quakes, making it difficult for those who can return to their homes, as there is a fear of further destruction.

More than 150 000 people were evacuated from the region by state. Many countries have established emergency mobile emergency to care for the injured as hospitals have been destroyed.

Tents are in short supply, and efforts are being made to purchase or donate them. Turkish Embassies across the world have coordinated relief efforts. She thanks the Muslim community of South Africa, who had been generous in their assistance.

According to Kandaş, rescue efforts were supported by equipment, planes, and drones from Türkiye. Aid from most countries came through Istanbul as many airports were damaged but were being repaired quickly to enable aid to be received.

Speaking of the emergency requirements, she requested corporate South Africa to assist with organising medicines, sleeping bags, gas heaters, and generators, especially as temperatures are very low and the electricity supply is non-existent.

She also referred to the misinformation being spread via social media and requested those wanting to support the relief efforts to check out the embassy’s website and social media platforms.

Listen to the full interview with Ml Sulimaan Ravat and Turkish Ambassador, Her Excellency Ayşegül Kandaş.