London – It has been five days since the Türkiye/Syria earthquake and the death toll has passed 22,700.
The death toll from this earthquake has now surpassed that of Fukushima, Japan and Istanbul earthquakes.
At this point, the hope of pulling out survivors from the rubble on day five is becoming even more slimmer.
The search and rescue efforts continue.
However, the weather conditions are seriously threatening the lives of many more people as well as those who do not have shelter, food, water or electricity.
The Bulrushes spoke to Miss Serpil, from Kahraman, Türkiye who said to us, I have a son who has epilepsy, there is nowhere to get his medication from. Everything around us is on the ground. We need help.
As the world gathers pace to send aid, the World Health Organisation is heading to Syria to support the areas affected by the earthquake.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who leads the UN public health body tweeted that he was going to be “supporting essential health care, when only just yesterday, the first UN aid convey arrived in north-west Syria since the earthquake.
Moreover, in Syria, according to the White Helmets, who describe the assistance by the UN as absolutely catastrophic they are short on equipment and supplies to be able to power even their ambulances.
In addition, due to the protocols set out by the UN security, it is very difficult for people and volunteers to come in and help.
With borders now opening in Türkiye, roads have been severely damaged.
In Syria, there is still major damage from a 12-year war on top of what the earthquake has now caused and according to state media, Lattakia, Hama, Aleppo and Idlib are the most impacted.
According to The Guardian, ICRC chief calls for “full humanitarian access” to all affected parts of Syria and calls this a vital opportunity to de-politicise aid. Saving lives must be our collective priority.
On the other hand, London is home to a very large Türkiye community that has been working tirelessly to set up donation spots from warehouses to schools to meet the high demands for baby food, nappies, blankets, clothes as well as medical kits that will be delivered.
There is also heartbreak for those who have lost family and friends after the horrific earthquake.
Many still await eagerly to hear any news about loved ones and some who have decided to fly back home.
Melek Solma from North London said, my mothers village is in total ruins we have family and friends we have not heard from yet. We are so worried.
Meanwhile, the rescuers in Türkiye and Syria continue their work in hopes they are able to get to those trapped under the rubble.
Finally, there is also a push for more aid access to both countries as thousands of people need urgent assistance.
