Earthquake in Turkey and Syria

On 6 February at 4.17 AM a 7.9 magnitude earthquake hits south-east Turkey and northern Syria. The National Civil Protection Service immediately responds.

The main event is followed by numerous shocks, including one of magnitude 7.5. Tens of thousands of people lose their lives, thousands of people are injured and others are missing. The people on the ground have to survive the cold, the lack of electricity, food and drinking water. There are thousands of collapsed buildings. Damage to the road network further hampers the work of rescue teams.
 
The Turkish authorities request the intervention of the European Civil Protection Mechanism, to send search and rescue teams, goods and materials. The Mechanism also brings assistance to the Syrian population. On the proposal of the Minister for Civil Protection and Sea Policies, Nello Musumeci, on 9 February, the Council of Ministers declares the state of emergency for Italian intervention in the earthquake-stricken territories.