WE HAVE A SHARED HUMANITY

Ten-year-old protects little brother in Turkey earthquake

 Let me start by expressing, my deepest sympathy, thoughts, and prayers for the people of Turkey or Tükiye and Syria as rescuers race against time to find many trapped under the rubbles after the devastating 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude earthquake.

As the world converges to offer assistance. We have to help each other in every way possible. Because we are one. Shared humanity we cannot discount, no matter how we try to break up ourselves based on ethnicity. We are one race. One human race. One and only one. And should have the common goal of uplifting and helping each other. And be kind to one another.

The wars, strife, and battles between regions are all fueled by ego. An ego we can do without. Watching the news on the earthquakes is heartbreaking, at the last count, the number of dead was north of 21,000. How devastating for all the families. The most unfortunate is the time of occurrence of the monstrous shaking of the earth- the early hours of the morning when many were asleep.

A picture that grabbed at my heart among many was the ten-year-old girl, who did all she could to protect her little brother under a big boulder. Thankfully they were rescued in time. Everywhere you look, there is a sad tale. 

What could have been done better, in a situation like this, in a small town in Syria, a man laments at hearing voices under the rubble, but there were no rescuers yet with the special cranes to help. The voices of those calling for help will be his nightmare for many days to come. When nature kicks, we all stumble. What can be done? On August 17, 1999, Istanbul, Turkey also suffered a devastating earthquake in which 17, 000 people perished.

One cannot help but wonder about building codes in a country like Turkey. The East Anatolian fault that runs from eastern to south-central Turkey is known to be a major strike-slip zone. With all the technology now available, we have to find a way to better manage earthquakes. A region like that must be strict building codes. The heartbreaks are overwhelming. 

Stay strong Turkey

Stay strong Syria