UNICEF Turkey appeals for additional support following earthquakes

On Feb. 6, twin earthquakes struck 11 Turkish provinces and areas in northern Syria, killing over 50,000 people and affecting over 13.5 million others. UNICEF Turkey has appealed for an additional $138 million from the international community to provide long-term assistance to the affected children and families. The earthquakes also impacted almost 4 million schoolchildren, and UNICEF is supporting the repair of 1,700 schools and building temporary classrooms to prevent children from being left behind in their education.

Italy commemorates L'Aquila earthquake victims

Meanwhile, Italy paid tribute to the victims of the L'Aquila earthquake, which killed 309 people on April 6, 2009. A torchlight march was held in memory of the victims, and Turkish and Syrian students studying in Italy lit a torch in solidarity with those affected by the twin earthquakes in Turkey. The Mayor of L'Aquila and the First Secretary of the Turkish Embassy in Rome were also present at the ceremony.

The latest situation on the earthquake in Turkey

The death toll announced following the 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes centered in the Turkish province of Kahramanmaras on February 6 has risen to 50,399. The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) stated that 24,927 earthquakes occurred between February 6 and April 6. Turkish Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Murat Kurum reported that they have determined 232,632 buildings to be either heavily damaged or in urgent need of demolition.