On February 5, 2025, a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 struck southern Turkey, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The epicenter of the earthquake was near Gaziantep, a major city in southeastern Turkey, with aftershocks continuing to shake the region in the hours that followed. The death toll from the disaster has surpassed 5,000, with thousands more injured and many more trapped under collapsed buildings.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared a state of emergency in the affected regions and announced that military and civilian rescue teams had been deployed to search for survivors. The Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) has been coordinating rescue efforts, with support from local authorities and volunteers working around the clock to extract survivors from the rubble.
The earthquake caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and hospitals, severely hindering rescue and relief efforts. Additionally, power outages have affected millions of people, complicating efforts to provide emergency care and support. A large number of buildings, including homes, schools, and shopping centers, collapsed, leaving thousands homeless in the region.
International aid organizations, including the United Nations and the Red Crescent, have sent teams to assist with rescue operations and to provide medical aid, food, and clean water. The UN has also issued a statement urging member states to contribute financial and material resources to help with the ongoing disaster relief efforts.
President Erdoğan has vowed to rebuild the affected areas and provide support to the survivors. “Our people will not be left alone in this difficult time. We will ensure that every citizen receives the help they need,” he said in a public address. Turkey has also called for international assistance, as the scale of the destruction continues to unfold.
This earthquake follows a series of natural disasters in recent years, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity. Scientists have warned that Turkey lies in one of the most active earthquake zones in the world, making it essential to prioritize disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure.
As rescue operations continue, the focus has shifted to providing immediate aid to the survivors while ensuring long-term recovery. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but it is clear that the impact of the earthquake will be felt for years to come.
