On Friday, a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria, killing over 4,300 people and leaving thousands more injured and homeless.
The worst-hit area was Aleppo, Syria, which suffered extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. Many of the casualties were in rural areas, where access to medical care was limited. The Turkish government has declared a state of emergency and is providing aid to those affected by the quake.
In Turkey, the quake caused major destruction in the cities of Istanbul, Izmir, and Sivrice. The death toll there has surpassed 1,000, with many more injured and displaced. The government has set up emergency shelters and is providing food and medical assistance to those affected.
Meanwhile, in Syria, the death toll has risen to over 3,000. Aleppo was among the hardest hit cities, with many buildings collapsing and roads blocked by rubble. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has declared a state of emergency and is calling for international aid to help those affected by the quake.
The Guardian has published an editorial on the tragedy, noting that the earthquake has compounded the suffering of Syrians who have already endured years of civil war and displacement. The editorial calls for a unified international response to the crisis, including increased aid and access to medical care.
CNN has also released an opinion piece, detailing the experience of a doctor and his family who were forced to flee their home in the middle of the night. The piece highlights the desperate situation faced by those affected by the quake, and the need for urgent international aid.
For more information on the Turkey-Syria earthquake, view the full coverage on USNN.