On the morning of Feb. 6, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit southern Turkey and northern Syria becoming the deadliest earthquake ever seen in the country since 1939. More than 30,000 people were killed during the disaster. A powerful aftershock with a magnitude of 7.5 followed. As of Feb. 24, the death rate in Syria and Turkey had gone beyond 49,000. The snow-covered mountain passes, highways, and buildings that collapsed over roads have all delayed the arrival of rescue teams and aid. Getting help to Syria has been complicated because of the country’s civil war. Many residents feel hopeless as the help they need is not where they need it to be.

To fully understand the severity of this earthquake you need to know what an earthquake really is. An earthquake is an intense shaking of the Earth’s surface. Movements in Earth’s outermost layer cause the vibration. Magnitude just means the size of the quake. An earthquake has a single magnitude. The shaking that it causes has many values that vary from place to place based on distance, type of surface material, and other factors. While all earthquakes are not as distressing as the recent ones, they all come with major risks. There can be many dangers– the most common being damage to houses and other buildings, pipes can rupture, the shaking can cause avalanches and landslides and there can be an absence of necessities.

In southern Turkey and northern Syria, thousands of buildings were destroyed, leaving large amounts of people without shelter in harsh weather conditions. Millions are in need of treatment, and many people across Turkey and Syria have lost their homes. Rescue workers are tirelessly trying to find survivors and have pulled thousands from the rubble, but the chances of rescue are declining.

Due to the dropping temperatures and people being reluctant to go back to their homes in fear, many resort to bonfires or huddling in cars to keep warm. Many are suffering from power outages and a shortage of food, medical supplies and aid.

Turkey has imposed a three-month state of emergency and the national emergency agency has provided tents and mobilized thousands of vehicles– with the help of more than 230,000 relief workers. Many have sent teams and supplies, and what they can make of a healthcare system has been put into place.

One big way that awareness has been spread is through social media. Various people and accounts across different social media platforms have been posting and trying their best to raise awareness to send materials and provide any ounce of assistance to those in need. People across the world are sending their prayers and donating to the cause.

If you would like to help, there are many ways you can. There are many charities where you can donate money, clothes, and basic necessities that are needed. Although, donating is not the only way you can help, spreading awareness is very important. People should know about this huge crisis that is happening, and the more people that know means more people that can help!

Here is a list of charities and organizations that are helping people right now:

Rescue

Save The Children

Church in Need