Victims lay trapped in the mountains of ruble, as rescuers try to get to them safely.

Yesterday, on Monday 6 February, a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southeast Türkiye near the city of Gaziantep, at 4.17am local time.  Just 12 hours later, a second 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck 130 kilometers to the north, in the Elbistan district.  The deadly earthquakes left a trail of destruction in seven Turkish provinces and northern Syria.

Search and rescue efforts have confirmed the deaths of over 3,400 people in Türkiye so far, and 1,600 people in Syria.  It is estimated that over 20,000 people are suffering injuries and more than 20 million are displaced as thousands of buildings have been reduced to mounds of rubble.  As aftershocks continue to devastate these already hard-hit areas, authorities believe the death toll is expected to rise.

United in the face of tragedy, many people offer their help as time is running out quickly for victims of these brutal earthquakes.

International aid is being sent by at least 45 countries, including rescue teams & equipment to join the 24,000 strong emergency personnel already despatched in hopes of finding survivors in this race against time amidst a harsh winter.  May these brave rescuers be successful in carrying out their respective tasks and be free from harm and danger.

We invite everyone to pray and radiate thoughts of ‘mettā-karunā’ to the victims.  May the injured receive due care to aid in their recovery.  May the families of those who have succumbed remain strong and composed.  Let us also pray for those who have perished in this tragedy – may they rest in Peace.