On February 6th 2023 at 04:17 AM the biggest earthquake to hit the region in modern history created major destruction on infrastructure and an unimaginable number of fatalities. A large influx of support flooded into Turkey heading towards the epicentre in Gaziantep and Antakya. Scott arrived on the 2nd day, aftershocks were constant with the strength to still knock down already fragile buildings. Thousands of people became homeless, living on the streets in front of their collapsed homes, waiting for search and rescue teams to locate their loved ones. The feeling of despair was glooming over the city. A thick pungent smell of sewage, decaying bodies, dust and rotting food had taken over the area, only to get worse in the coming days.
Even though the worlds focus was on Turkey with the majority of people who were affected were Syrian refugees. Syria was struggling with very little support. Due to a never-ending conflict on disputed land, many of the Syrians living in the North had very little to no support from the international community. Many war-torn buildings already standing on their skeleton legs had collapsed, families who fled the conflict for many years being displaced several times had become displaced once again. However, the community was strong. People who were fortunate enough to have a standing home still housed individuals and families until temporary housing was erected. The feeling of anger was not a thing and hope was carried by their faith. God had a plan for them, and they found comfort in that.
Scott was working with the Emergency Response team for Partners Relief and Development.
