Death Toll Continues to Rise in Turkey and Syria from Massive Earthquake
On February 6, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria. The quake has already claimed over 37,000 lives and represents Turkeys deadliest earthquake in modern history. With the chances of finding survivors waning a week after the sixth most deadly natural disaster this century, and temperatures falling, it is expected the death toll will continue to rise sharply. While rescuers have had some success locating victims it increasingly appears that search operations will cease, and the humanitarian phase will begin of providing the necessities such as food, shelter, and schooling.
What happened in Turkey and Syria?
Instructors: click the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom. The deck contains a writing prompt and a debate question as well as other assessment questions.
Videos
News Articles
Rescue phase ‘comes to a close’ in Turkey-Syria quake disaster
ALJAZEERA
February 13, 2023
Videos show Turkey’s Erdogan boasted letting builders avoid earthquake codes
NPR
February 13, 2023
https://www.npr.org/2023/02/13/1156512284/turkey-earthquake-erdogan-building-safety
Turkey finds a few more earthquake survivors as further rescue hopes fade
THE GUARDIAN
February 13, 2023
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/13/turkey-and-syria-earthquake-death-toll-passes-35000
Rescue efforts continue in Turkey and Syria – but how long can people survive in earthquake rubble?
EURONEWS
February 13, 2023
Turkey earthquake: 113 arrest warrants connected to building construction
BBC NEWS
February 12, 2023
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-64615349
Why earthquakes are deadlier depending on where you live
VOX
February 13, 2023
EXPLAINER How Syria’s war has hindered earthquake relief
THE KOREA TIMES
February 13, 2023
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/world/2023/02/501_345325.html
Will earthquake lead to changes in Syria policy? – analysis
THE JERUSALEM POST
February 13, 2023
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-731391
Assessment
Writing: What are the ramifications of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria?
Debate: What factors have contributed to such a high death toll concerning the earthquake in Turkey and Syria?
Poll: Should the international community provide more assistance to the Syrian regime in the aftermath of the earthquake?
Short Answer: What actions can be taken to reduce the impact of future earthquakes in Turkey and Syria?
News Quiz
True/False
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria. (T/F)
Turkish authorities have been praised for their response to the earthquake. (T/F)
Millions are homeless in Turkey and Syria due to the quake. (T/F)
Multiple Choice
Why do experts believe so many buildings have collapsed in Turkey?
- Building codes not enforced.
- Buildings were built over fault lines.
- Cheap construction materials.
- Lack of building inspectors.
Western countries view which President as the catalyst for the Syrian civil war?
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
- Bashar al-Assad.
- Barack Obama.
- Vladimir Putin.
All the following are true concerning the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria EXCEPT.
- More than 37,000 people have died.
- It is the deadliest earthquake in Turkeys modern history.
- More than 60,000 buildings collapsed in Turkey.
- It is the sixth most deadly natural disaster this century.
