On February 6, 2023, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake rocked Turkey and Syria. The series of aftershocks were reported to be the deadliest in Turkey in nearly twenty years. The disaster’s death toll continues to rise, reaching approximately 33,000 people across both countries on February 12, 2023.
Significant casualties were caused by residential buildings that collapsed, which trapped thousands of residents under massive piles of debris. The collapse of “earthquake-proof” buildings––buildings designed to sustain strict seismic standards––raised concerns about regional construction codes and regulations.
Following Turkey and Syria’s requests for international assistance, rescue units, paramedics, rescue specialists, and structural engineers from the international Los Angeles County Fire Department were dispatched to assist with urban searches in the affected areas. Other nations includingAustralia and New Zealand also provided millions to support local humanitarian efforts.