The True Damage of the Turkey/Syria Earthquake (2023)

In the early morning of February 6th, 2023, Turkey was devastated by one of the deadliest earthquakes in the history of the country. Two earthquakes of magnitudes 7.8 and 7.5 hit the southeastern region, destroying many buildings in multiple cities. Much charity work is taking place to rebuild these cities, but villages are currently left unattended by rescue teams and government help. Turkey has declared a Level-4 emergency alert which includes a general call for international help.

In March of 2023, Henry Sieber, Dakota Wint and I collaborated on a fundraiser to bring much-needed aid to the Ahmethoca village and the city of Adiyamen. With your help, we were able to raise nearly $60,000, enough to rehome nearly the entire displaced population of the village and pay for more than 200 food boxes each capable of feeding a family for a month.

As gratifying as it is to have made this sort of impact, I believe it is equally important for us as an international audience to hear from those who experienced the devastating effects of this disaster firsthand. While the Western media cycle was quick to forget this event, its effects are a daily reality for those in this part of the world.

Further donation links

[mgerbil]

It is honestly amazing what you were able to do. From debunking "molten pyramids" to raising $56, 000 for the people affected by the earthquake, you have absolutely used your platform for good.

[pastrma]

As a Turk i thank you from the bottom of my heart for covering this. Btw not only the western media but even our own media stopped covering this catastrophy because of the elections. It's such a shame.

Edit : Thanks for all the help. As you said 56000 dollars is a lot of money in our current economic situation and people who lives in those areas need every bit of help they can get.

[Crylikeamumu]

I am from turkey and i live in the affected area. This earthquake has caused so much destruction that it is incredible. I volunteered at a relief pharmacy after the earthquake and it was devastating to see people come here with injuries, burn wounds, but most importantly depression medicines. People here lost to will to live after this earthquake. Thanks to people like you who came here to help or sent help somehow, we are still standing. Really, really thank you.

[pomegranatejuice]

Thank you Milo. As a Turk, I just want to thank you for not forgetting about this disaster like many have. Thank you for everything you have done.

[asinohut]

I sincerely appreciate the contributions you've made to Adıyaman, my hometown. It's truly important for all of Turkish people, to share your first-hand experiences with the realities of what's happening there. If it weren't for compassionate individuals like you, my fellow earthquake victims would still be facing significant hardships. Thank you once again for your kindness.

[polter]

I appreciate that you lead with an entire video about this rather than simply mentioning it in videos about Turkey's archaeological sites. It really humanizes Turkey rather than brushing off modern inhabitants in favor of the archaeology content you get out of the trip.

[blublu]

I study in Ankara, live in my university's dormitories. There were crying students in the dorms, in the cafeteria, in the faculty halls. No one was sure if our donations and supplies would reach those in need of help. Thank you for using your platform, for informing us, and for making sure your helps reach those people. I might be one of the very few Turkish people of your audience, this was very touching. I actually needed to mentally prepare myself to watch this.

[Lee-vpvs]

A Youtuber with humanity and compassion? Milo, please lead this charge for improving the online community like this.

Absolute legend bro.

[AlishaHerbiederbie]

Thank you for giving voice to this, Milo. A lot of my local friends and family don't understand that recovery from this will take years even in the best of circumstances.

[lrf]

I'm so happy that you managed to help. But the fact that 56.000 is enough to provide a significant help to these people makes me angry at the billionaires of the world who could have easily helped so much but did nothing.

[robinasebastian]

This is what youtubers should be, this is what we could be together, Milo is a hero and nothing but that.

[redoctproductions]

I lost many relatives from this earthquake (8 in total). I want to show my gratitude for covering this quake.

[danyelk]

i lost my uncle and my friends this Earthquake, Also my house.Thank You for talking about it

[frodogabbins]

Thank you for using your platform like this. Thank you for allowing the people to tell their stories and being so real and transparent, even when it isn't fun content to make. This is so important, Milo! Thank you!

[zackarieneifert]

It is rather sobering to think that while we were in Turkey exploring some sites, these people were dealing with all this. I hope that the fundraser was able to make a difference, however small, to help these people get back some semblance of a normal life

[mikimomo]

One of the things I've always disliked about current western media is after the "shock and awe and death" is over and reported, they move on. We never get closure on if issues were solved, and they rarely are solved. They did it with Turkey, but also with Flint and other major disasters.

Thank you Milo. Thank you for using your platform to help ease the financial burden on these people. Thank you for using your following to visit, but staying humble and asking questions that don't come across as offensive. You're humble. That's one of the greatest traits anyone can have in today's world. You listen to the people and their struggles rather than shoving a camera in their face for the "shock" factor our media uses. You're a gentleman, a scholar and one hell of a journalist.

[itheKevassitant]

You could easily give us what we want which is history stuff but these events deserve just as much attention and youre not capitalizing imo, youre giving a voice and light to those silent and in the dark.

[tonymorris]

Good on you Milo, as a veteran I can understand your stunned look of disbelief at the level of devastation you saw. The first time you come through a ravaged area be it war, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes etc is always a bit breathtaking and humbling.

[jenerhart]

Milo, thank you. This brought me to tears. Walking with your guide telling the stories, how many people died in which building, who survived and who didn't, brought home a very personal reality. The graciousness of the man who showed you how he is living now...Thank you for sharing this. Thank you for raising money and making a point to focus on the smaller communities.

[SgtPineapplest]

Thank you, Milo. You pushed me over the deciding line to pursue my love of Archaeology, but you've also reinforced my belief that some one else in this world cares about people because they are people.