Worst Earthquake the Middle East Has Seen in Decades

While experts may be calling it historical, everyone else in the world fancies it hysterical. As of right now, the death tolls in Turkey and Syria combined have surpassed 36,000. With magnitude quakes up to 7.8 and 7.5, this will go on record as one of the most catastrophic natural disasters to strike these countries in years. 

Though all hope seems bleak and death tolls are expected to rise, there are steady glimpses of goodness thanks to rescue workers. These teams, composed mostly of miners from neighboring countries, have managed to salvage some civilians from the rubble. All the while, those lucky enough to be unharmed strive to evacuate, as well as desperately waiting to hear from their loved ones who may or may not be dead. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has pledged that alliance members will provide shelter for those who have become displaced. Ironically, about 3.6 million Syrian refugees live in southeastern Turkey to escape the Civil War, yet they have been struck the hardest by this natural disaster. The IRC (International Rescue Committee) is also providing cash, hygiene supplies, and health services, particularly for women and children.

As for the rest of the world, there are loads those completely unaffected (at least physically) can do to help. The IRC is also collecting donations from the public, and for a limited time, are to be doubled monthly. With such devastation, and an issue that is not going to go away anytime soon, it is crucial for all countries to have hands open and on deck to help those in need.