Hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless and struggling to find food in the middle of winter. Both countries have faced criticism for their response to the crisis.
In Syria, President Bashar al-Assad visited affected areas, and his government approved aid deliveries across the frontlines of the civil war. The World Food Programme warns it is running low on supplies in rebel-held northwest Syria, where the ongoing conflict complicates relief efforts.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Rescue teams worldwide have been working around the clock to find survivors trapped in the rubble. Despite their efforts, the death toll continues to rise, with over 20,000 confirmed dead in Turkey and more than 3,500 in Syria.
President Tayyip Erdogan visited the affected area in Turkey and admitted that the government's response was not fast enough. The earthquake disaster may impact the upcoming election, scheduled for May 14, if it goes ahead. The opposition has criticized the government's response, while President Erdogan has called for solidarity and condemned what he calls "negative campaigns for political interest."
Hope Amid the Ruins
Despite the devastating toll, there have been some heartwarming moments of hope. In Turkey, rescuers saved a 10-day-old baby and his mother, while in Syria, the White Helmets group rescued a young girl. But as the days go by, hopes of finding more survivors fade.
24.4 million people in Syria and Turkey have been affected by the earthquake, with aid and rescue efforts ongoing. The devastating impact of the disaster is evident, with buildings destroyed and families mourning their loss.
