The recent earthquake that occurred near the border of Turkey and Syria, has caused extensive damage and loss of life in the affected areas.
According to the United States Geological Survey, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on Monday, February 2 2023, around 4:17 a.m. local time. Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, and Lebanon were also affected. In the aftermath, Türkiye was hit by dozens of aftershocks, including an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5.
The epicenter of the earthquake was 17.9 km beneath the surface, 26 km east of the Turkish city of Nurdagi in the Gaziantep province. In the Kahramanmaraş province, the later Magnitude-7.5 event was located around 4 km southeast of Ekinözü. Aleppo, a city in war-torn Syria, is one of the places that took the weight of a terrible earthquake.
Millions of refugees live in the region where the earthquake occurred, and they are already struggling under dire conditions.
Turkey has seen the collapse of over 2,800 buildings, including hospitals, schools, and governmental structures. Save the Children is working quickly to determine what the urgent needs of the children and their families are.
Country Director for Save the Children Turkey, Sasha Ekanayake, stated:
"While the area is facing frigid temperatures and snowstorms, this earthquake was one of the biggest to impact the area in the past 100 years and left thousands homeless. The impacted communities' schools are currently shuttered for a week. Our teams are working fast to assess the disaster and make sure that every member of our staff is safe, but it's critical that the world community takes immediate action to help the thousands of people who are in need."Here are some first aid tips and safety awareness measures to keep in mind in case of a natural disaster in Singapore:
Be Prepared: Create an emergency kit that includes essential items such as water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, and other critical supplies such as a flashlight, radio, and batteries. Familiarize yourself with the emergency evacuation procedures in your community.
Stay Informed: Stay updated with the news and weather to remain informed about potential risks or hazards. Follow the instructions of local authorities and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards such as downed electrical wires, gas leaks, and debris that may cause injury. Wear appropriate footwear and protective gear when necessary.
Know First Aid: Learn basic first aid techniques such as CPR, wound care, and treating shock. In case of an emergency, you can provide necessary aid until help arrives.
Seek Professional Help: In case of severe injuries or trauma, seek professional medical attention immediately.
It is essential to be aware and prepared for natural disasters, no matter where you live. Following the above tips can help you stay safe and provide support to those in need during an emergency.