Aftershocks and Freezing Temperatures Hamper Search for Survivors After 7.8-Magnitude Quake

Rescue efforts continue to struggle in the aftermath of the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck southern Turkey and northern Syria on Monday. As of Tuesday evening, the death toll from the disaster has risen to 7,800, with the Turkish government confirming 5,894 deaths and Syria reporting 1,932 fatalities. The humanitarian crisis is compounded by freezing temperatures, aftershocks, and damaged infrastructure, making it increasingly difficult to reach survivors trapped under the rubble.

The earthquake, followed by a powerful aftershock, has triggered massive destruction across a vast region. Authorities in Turkey have declared a state of emergency across 10 provinces, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the number of fatalities could exceed 20,000 as the scale of the disaster becomes clearer. In Turkey alone, over 380,000 people have sought refuge in shelters, while the situation is even more dire in Syria, where the decades-long civil war has left much of the country’s infrastructure in ruins.

Search and rescue teams are facing severe challenges. Volunteers in Syria, particularly in rebel-held areas, have reported a lack of basic supplies like fuel, while poor internet connectivity and damaged roads in Turkey have slowed down efforts to coordinate the rescue operations. “We are struggling to access remote areas, and the freezing weather is making everything worse,” said Murat Harun Öngören, a coordinator with Turkey’s largest civil society aid group, AKUT. “This is more than just an earthquake; it’s a disaster of unimaginable scale.”

In Adıyaman, a town near the quake’s epicenter, residents are desperately trying to rescue loved ones, with limited help from official rescue teams. Ali Ünlü described his efforts to free his elderly mother, who was trapped under the rubble of their collapsed home. “After the earthquake, I ran to my mother’s house, but the building was gone,” he said, choking back tears. “It’s freezing cold, and we have no food. I’m waiting for help, but it’s not coming fast enough.”

Turkey’s Disaster Management Agency (AFAD) has received reports of more than 11,000 collapsed buildings, with over 8,000 people rescued from the rubble so far. However, authorities believe the true scale of the damage is much worse than the confirmed reports. Rescue teams are working against the clock, as those trapped under the rubble are at increasing risk with each passing hour.

In Syria, the damage is compounded by over 11 years of civil war, which has left large areas of the country in disarray. In rebel-held areas, where the infrastructure is especially fragile, rescue workers are facing a severe shortage of resources, including basic necessities like diesel fuel for machinery. Oubadah Alwan, a spokesperson for the Syrian Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, emphasized the dire situation. “In northwest Syria, it’s just us, the White Helmets. We are an NGO and are not equipped to handle such a massive tragedy,” he said. “We don’t even have enough fuel to power our equipment.”

The WHO has warned that the death toll could rise significantly in the coming days as more bodies are recovered. “We always see this with earthquakes—initial reports are often lower than the final count,” said Catherine Smallwood, senior emergency officer for WHO Europe. “The scale of this disaster is likely to increase.”

As the affected countries grapple with the devastation, international aid has begun to pour in from governments around the world. Turkey has received assistance offers from 45 countries, including medical teams, rescue units, and humanitarian aid. Greece has sent a 21-member rescue team with sniffer dogs and specialized equipment to help locate survivors. However, aid deliveries to northern Syria have been delayed due to damaged roads, further complicating the situation.

The situation is urgent, and the Turkish government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is under immense pressure to deliver a swift and effective response. As Turkey heads into elections in May, the government’s handling of the disaster will likely play a significant role in the political landscape. “Everyone is working hard to respond to this tragedy,” Erdoğan said. “But the cold weather, the night-time quake, and the sheer scale of the damage are making things more difficult.”

The rescue and recovery efforts are expected to continue for days, if not weeks, as the full extent of the destruction becomes clear. With temperatures continuing to plummet and the logistical challenges mounting, it remains to be seen how quickly aid can reach the most affected regions and how many more lives can be saved.