Extreme Earthquake in Turkey

On February 6, 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey at 4:17 am, affecting millions, many of whom were still sleeping. This is the strongest earthquake recorded in the history of modern Turkey. The initial earthquake hit near the city of Gaziantep and was so powerful that it was felt in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel.

The extent of the damage is immense , over 61,000 buildings have been destroyed. Tragically, the death toll has exceeded 50,000 people between Turkey and Syria and many more injured. Over 100 aftershocks have been recorded, including one very near Kahramanmaras that reached a 7.5 magnitude.

Due to the likely structural damage that many buildings have after an earthquake, people are advised not to go back into their homes until a further assessment is done by the authorities to determine whether the buildings are safe to live in again or not. This has caused hundreds of thousands of people to remain outside despite freezing temperatures, and many struggle to stay warm. Many are understandably experiencing fear and shock, yet communities are banding together to assist with recovery efforts.

PPM’s Disaster Response team is currently looking into how we can support the efforts of local churches in the area, whether it be with bringing volunteers or resourcing local recovery efforts, including meeting the basic needs of those who need food and shelter. Please continue to pray for those who have been affected by this disaster.