On February 6, a strong 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Turkey, killing at least 48,000 people and leaving many more injured and homeless. The provinces most affected by the earthquake were Elazig and Malatya, where most of the fatalities were recorded.
Since then, thousands of people have been living in tents and emergency containers in the 11 provinces affected by the earthquake. Despite the efforts of the Turkish government and humanitarian organizations, the situation remains precarious for many of these survivors.
Recently, 11 more people were reported to have died as a result of the heavy rains and floods that hit the region, further exacerbating the plight of the earthquake survivors. Five of the victims were Syrian and were found dead in the basement of a building in the city of Sanliurfa. Two others died in the neighboring province of Adiyaman.
Among the victims was a one-and-a-half-year-old baby who drowned inside an emergency housing container that was swept away by floodwaters. Turkish Interior Minister Süleyman Söylu has reported that more than 160 rescuers and divers were sent to the area to assist in search and rescue efforts.
In summary, the eastern region of Turkey is still suffering from the aftermath of the February 6 earthquake, and the recent tragedy caused by the floods has further worsened the situation for survivors. Despite the efforts of rescue teams and humanitarian organizations, the situation remains difficult for many people who lost their homes and loved ones.