Speech by Zarah Saddiqi Addresses State of Turkey and Syria
On International Day 2023, Zarah Siddiqi (M4) addressed students, parents and teachers about the state of Turkey and Syria after many earthquakes have left it devastated. A student led fundraiser this week includes a grub day and bake sale to raise money for the cause. A video of the speech can be viewed here. Read a transcript of her speech below.
Good morning everyone, as you all know, today is International Day. We at Somersfield celebrate this day annually and learn about different cultures across the globe. My name is Zarah Siddiqi and today I would like to bring your attention to the recent disasters affecting Turkey and Syria.
On February 6th 2023, earthquakes measuring 7.8 and 7.6 on the Richter scale struck southeast Turkey and Syria. These earthquakes initially killed 47,000 people and have left around 1 million homeless. Apartment buildings have collapsed, rubble has been strewn across streets, trapping people inside, and there have been many structures and houses that have been destroyed. The death toll is still rising and is expected to continue.
One of the hardest hit areas is northwestern Syria, a place where a civil war has already been going on and people were living in harsh conditions. The strong shakes of the earthquake have wiped out buildings and architecture in an area that was already war torn.
People have been left without shelter in the freezing winter conditions. Two weeks after the first earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria, on February 20th an additional earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale shook the countries. Reports indicate that there are over 87,000 injuries and nearly 50,000 buildings, hospitals, and schools have been destroyed. According to the UNICEF data, in Turkey, around 4.5 million children were affected by the earthquake and about 2.5 million children in Syria.
The World Health Organization has established that 26 million people need assistance in total, which is difficult to aid to with the limited amount of hospitals and resources there are in those places as of right now. The odds of survival for many are low, however rescuers have been able to pull people out from rubble and the ruins of crumbled buildings. The bitter winter storms have put children at great risk for hypothermia as they struggle to survive the sub-zero temperatures with no shelter and inadequate resources.
These same children are also on the verge of family separation, exploitation, and abuse. Because buildings are deemed as unsafe, they are unable to go to school every day, leaving them alone at home with zero support. Children are being pulled from collapsed building rubble days after the initial quake.
The earthquake has brought intense feelings of fear to the people in Turkey and Syria. Many of them are now living on the streets in the freezing snow and pouring rain. More than 7000 aftershocks have been recorded in Turkey alone and there is no sign that they will be stopping anytime soon. Entire neighborhoods have been absolutely demolished; nearly 1 million people are living in tents and containers without food, water, and basic shelter. Many are still finding their children trapped under rubble and stuck inside crushed buildings, days after the earthquake.
Turkey is no stranger to earthquakes, however on February 6th the strongest and most deadliest earthquake in their country’s history hit them, and the effects are lingering. The earthquake took place in south Turkey and in the northern parts of Syria.
Since 2011, Syria has been battling a civil war which is taking a toll on their people, economy, and overall country, as a result of this, dealing with an additional natural disaster is not easy. Donating even a penny could do something as much as feed a child who has been hungry for days. Donating a dollar could contribute to a fund to re-build a family’s house. We can only do so much for the people in need, and donating can save lives.
As if the 2 earthquakes weren’t enough, a 5.2 magnitude hit Turkey on February 27th. Around 29 more buildings collapsed and the destruction of the country continues. Donating can quite literally save people’s lives. Even 1 dollar is enough. Turkey and Syria have been
going through a crisis well before this natural disaster even happened and the earthquakes only made things much worse. Donating money can help aid the people with water, canned food, clothes, and more. What’s going on in Turkey and Syria is something new. No natural disaster has ever effected them like this one, please help both their country and their people. You can help by donating whatever you can. The student body has organized a grub day on this Friday, the 17th. We are asking for a minimum donation of $2. There will also be a bake sale taking place that same day, treats will be available for around $2-5.
All donations will be taken to Children’s House teacher, Mrs. Maha Turner, who will use the money to continue to send food baskets and packages filled with other resources. She is also able to help the people who are now refugees and support the physically challenged children with the donations.
As Somersfield Academy we strive to help those in need. We all have the power to do something whether that is donating or even continuing to raise awareness. So let’s use that to our greater good and help the victims of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
Thank you.