Over 5,000 Dead in Turkey and Syria as Earthquakes Devastate Region Filled with Refugees Fleeing War

Magnitude 7.8 and 7.5 earthquakes struck Turkey near the Syrian border Monday, causing mass devastation in both countries. At least 5,000 casualties have been reported as of Tuesday morning, and rescue efforts are still underway. The WHO predicts that the final death toll could reach 25,000. The 7.8 earthquake, the largest recorded in Turkey since 1939, struck a region that has already been wracked by the Syrian civil war, compounding the existing humanitarian crisis in the region. Our guest is Evren Uzer, an associate professor of urban planning at The New School. After the İzmit earthquake of 1999, which killed more than 17,000 people in Turkey, Uzer worked to provide post-earthquake housing to survivors.

#DemocracyNow

[ottomanosman]

A Turkish person here. Though I live far away in Scotland, this hit our hearts so much. Our people deserve supports and attention due to this tragedy.

[Shaar]

My heart goes to all affected brothers and sisters in Turkey and Syria.

[annee]

كم انا حزين عن اخوانى. انا جزاءرى. من بلادى اراء هدا المصيبة. مدا افعل يا لله كي ابكى معكم. كي اكون معاكم. انا و اولادى لا ننام. و حزن غامق فى قلبنا. ادعى لله يبعد عنكم هدا الهم. و نعمة لله تعود.

[joannreed]

We are so sad for them! I hope we can help as much as you need. It's too devastating.

[gailmclaughlin]

My deepest heartfelt sympathy and condolences to everyone in Turkey. 🇹🇷

Peace and love to everyone in Turkey, from Canada. 🇨🇦

[Gatosyperros]

What bothers me the most is see how the government invested billions and wars and weapons and don't realize that money would be better if investing in infrastructure. I know the magnitude of the earthquake is powerful but most destructive when poor infrastructure. My prayers for those people who lost their lives and the survivors who lost everything

[elizabethwarman]

I can relate, I feel for the citizens of Turkey and Syra, a concerned Californian.

[henrysantos]

My condolences to all victims family involved in Turkey and Syria.🙏.

[bluebell]

Our human compassion binds us the one to the other - not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learned how to turn our common suffering into hope for the good of humanity ... Let's all help our brothers and sisters in Turkey and Syria .... "Peace and much love to the World and Humanity ..."

[daypackdude]

God bless my Kurdish brother and sister in North Kurdistan and west Kurdistan stay strong our thoughts with you guys 🙏🙏🙏

[msKita]

I hope they will allow more aid to get into Syria

[cherylsibson]

I don't know if the world completely comprehends how big this earthquake was, seems the war is bizarrely still ongoing. One would think that the magnitude of the earthquake would end the war.

[idahowilda]

I'm praying for the people of Turkey. I'm so very sorry for all your losses. 💔💔💔💔💜

[anthonymcneill]

"Out of scale" is a catastrophic and epic event. I have never heard that term, but I get it from following the news reports, especially from Ms. Uzer. I pray the God of Abraham has mercy and compassion for all those impacted in both Syria and Turkey.

[utebrown]

Not only praying for people but also all pets and animals involved. Some cities in Turkey are known for their love of stray cats.

[lisahicks]

I'm praying 🙏 for ever one
I'm praying for Dav and team and rooftop animal hospital.
Pray for all

[brooketaney]

Prayers everyone. Their airports must be freed up for incoming emergency aide and medical help, supplies, food is so urgent for them. Poorly built buildings collapsing, so terrrible.. So cold there. Please God have mercy.

[brentdollar]

Prayers for the victims. God bless your family. Keep safe. God be with you. 🙏

[debwefoxx]

“What is the media (including our questions) missing and how can we help?” Best journalism ever

[rajarameez]

Sorry God 😔😔😔😔🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 please have mercy upon all humanity 🤲 aameen