---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Prof Dr. Gonca Yilmaz <goncay31@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2023, 17:00
Subject: Devastating earthquakes and children rights
To: CHIFA - Child Health and Rights <CHIFA@hifaforums.org>
It's like we woke up to hell," said a father of three, whose family members
were still beneath the rubble in Hatay, Türkiye.
The initial 7.7 magnitude devastating earthquake hit south-east Türkiye
just after 4 am local time, when many children and families were asleep at
home, with a second 7.5 magnitude earthquake hitting later in the day.
The strength of the earthquakes resulted in entire neighborhoods being
reduced to rubble. All relief efforts are very challenging due to blocked
roads, damaged bridges, communications, power outages, food and water
shortages. Dropped temperatures to near freezing at levels at nights are
also adding to all challenges here.
Many children and their rights have been affected by these devastating
earthquakes.
They are under the rubble with their pajamas, cold and suffering. Some of
them lost their families and loved ones.
They are in panic, anxiety and fear. Their schools, hospitals and other
medical and educational facilities have been damaged or destroyed. Many of
them will have post-traumatic stress disorder, depression later in their
lives.
We are facing the most complex humanitarian crisis in the world.
Gonca MD, PhD, Türkiye
International Society for Social Paediatrics and Child Health
