For Whom the Bells Tolls
On Sunday, while we in America were most likely sleeping peacefully, a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake ravaged eastern Turkey, in a city close to the border of Iraq known as Van that has a population of just over 1 million people. The quake destroyed towns and killed hundreds of people, leaving thousands homeless and forced to set up tents for shelter. According to the prime minister`s emergency agency AFAD by Monday evening local time the death toll had reached 279 and over 1,300 people were wounded. More than 2,260 buildings collapsed in the quake and more than 3,000 search and rescue teams are out working in the field looking for an unknown number of people who remain trapped.
Even though the initial quake is over, aftershocks continue to rock the country, like the 5.7 magnitude that shook the city of Van just before midnight local time. The Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute in Istanbul estimates that the due to the magnitude of the initial quake; the death toll could rise to anywhere between 500 and 1,000 casualties. What`s further complicating matters is the fact that the city of Van is at an altitude of 1,750 meters (5,750 feet) and snow is in the forecast for this week. The aftershocks are expected to continue for days, possibly even weeks, and could further prevent people from returning to their homes.
Though there is a huge recovery effort underway, it is far from over. Even after all survivors are accounted for and the lives lost are laid to rest, there is still much to be done. Right now the country is in desperate need of not only money and supplies but also will need blood donations and volunteers. We`re urging everyone to participate in this recovery effort; The American Red Cross is always in need of blood donors and has a donation page available. You can also donate to www.globalgiving.org/ or by texting TURKEY to 80088 to donate $10 to the Turkey Earthquake Relief Fund. If you`re hesitant, remember what Winston Churchill once said: ``We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give``.