Rochelle, a long time traveler with Preferred Healthcare, lives most of the year at her home in Turkey. A physical therapist by trade, she takes occasional short travel assignments here in the U.S. Rochelle and her family are safe, however, tens of thousands of people in Turkey and Syria died as a result of the ruinous earthquake that recently struck. In addition to those who lost their lives, over a million survivors are now homeless in the midst of winter.
Rochelle’s Own Words Describing the Situation in Turkey
“Yes! We are okay. The earthquake was Southeast of us, about 14 hours away. 10 plus cities were affected in that region. It was a massively devastating earthquake! In October 2020, we had an earthquake of around 6.9 where we live, definitely scary. We did have buildings fall and people under rubble. But the earthquake happened when people were awake and the nighttime temperatures only went down to the 50’s. Around 120 people died. After that earthquake, the city has been tearing down buildings that were damaged or that they believe are not safe. And that was just one city.
The damage from this recent earthquake spans across an entire region. There are not enough people to rescue those that are trapped under the collapsed buildings, and the temperatures are below freezing. It is truly heart breaking! Already the death count is nearly 8000.* My youngest girl was afraid to sleep by herself. She remembers our earthquake from 2020. Anyway, we are ok. The government here has many ways that we can provide support and donate. Plus many foreign countries are helping.
Yes, I am very thankful that we are not in the location of this most recent earthquake! I do hear locals talking and they have shared with me how they have lost family members. It is really a tragic time. Below is a link for a humanitarian organization from America that is here helping. I did some volunteer work for this organization while I was in University. I helped in countries like Brazil and India. Anyway, thanks so much! I have some friends who have gone to the region affected by the earthquake and are helping with passing out food and water.”
*The original quote was shortly after the earthquake, and the current count is over 36,000 dead and rising.
How You Can Help Earthquake Victims in Turkey and Syria
Rochelle recommended making a donation to ADRA, an organization that delivers disaster relief worldwide and is currently addressing the situation in Turkey and Syria. According to ADRA, 90% of all gifts given to support their emergency relief efforts provide help to disaster victims. Please consider donating to this worthy cause.
Click here to Support Relief Efforts Now