Disaster of the century: Türkiye’s earthquakes with aftershocks every 3 minutes
Dr. Duygu Çağla BAYRAM
Ankara, February 24: Almost three weeks have gone by since Türkiye’s catastrophic earthquakes. The twin powerful quakes followed by so far more than 8,500 aftershocks and two more independent quakes destroyed Türkiye’s 11 southern provinces, while extremely affecting a very wide area with devastations. Türkiye’s Disaster Management Agency (AFAD) said: “The number of earthquakes that would be recorded in four months occurred in 17 days. So the aftershocks occurred every three minutes”.
This was a natural disaster of vast proportions. Yes, Türkiye has history of earthquakes. But natural disasters always bring pain, which leave permanently bitter marks on generations. Yes, there were miracles. But there were many sorrows, too. It will never eternally be forgotten that a father sat for hours holding the hand of his dead daughter, only her hand showing through the concrete.
Turkish people will never forget the rescue teams rushing from all over the world to save lives. From India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal to Japan and South Korea to El Salvador, Cuba and Venezuela to South Africa to Spain and Italy and even war-torn Ukraine.
India was one of the first to send help. Indian government initiated a humanitarian aid mission under the name of “Operation Dost”. The word “Dost” is used to mean friend in both languages, Turkish and Hindi. Following the Sanskrit mantra of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, which means the world is one family, India stands in solidarity with the people of Türkiye in this difficult time. And We Turks have a proverb: “Dost kara günde belli olur” , which means a friend in need is a friend indeed. The Turkish help had also come to India’s rescue at the tragic moment when India was facing the worst second wave of the COVID crisis. Example of friendship, brotherhood and solidarity in hard times…
As I am writing this piece, the death toll stands at more than 43,000 and the bitter truth is that the real number will be higher. But despite all, the response to this terrible tragedy has once again set an example of an immense wave of unity, togetherness and solidarity of Turkish people, and of beyond.
Just as Türkiye has always ran in goodness, the world has ran to our aid during this historic crisis. Türkiye has a proud history of being in the forefront of extending a helping hand of those in need during national disasters as well as in conflict areas. And now we are thankful to feeling the power of solidarity from all corners of the world, which we will never forget. Of course, we will heal our wounds and the strong Turkish nation will rise up again. But the tragedy will ever be engraved in our memories and hearts. But let me also remind Mevlana Rumi’s quote that “There is hope after despair and many suns after darkness”.
(Author is an Ankara-based India specialist. She has a Ph.D. in Int’l Relations, and is the author of New Course in Turbulent Waters: The Indo-Pacific Narrative and India. She tweets at @DrCaglaBayram )
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