Turkey earthquake: Erdogan announces three-month state of emergency in quake area

On 7th February 2023, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in the area affected by the earthquake. A state of emergency gives the government increased powers to respond quickly to a crisis and make decisions without going through the usual bureaucratic channels. The announcement was made after a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck the eastern province of Elazig, killing more than 40 people and injuring over 1,000 others. The state of emergency is meant to help speed up the rescue and recovery efforts in the affected area.


The information you provided regarding the reporters (Quentin Sommerville in Adana and Anna Foster in Maras area) is related to the coverage of the earthquake in Turkey by the BBC. These reporters were likely on the ground reporting on the event and its aftermath.


Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in the 10 provinces affected by the earthquake on 14th May 2023. The death toll in Turkey has risen to 3,549, while over 1,600 people have died in Syria. The state of emergency is aimed at allowing rescue efforts and financial aid to be delivered more quickly to the affected regions. The state of emergency will end just prior to elections on 14th May, where President Erdogan will run for re-election after 20 years in power.


The earthquake that struck Turkey has caused significant challenges for rescue and aid efforts. The heavy rain and snow, combined with the aftershocks, have made it difficult for rescuers to search for survivors. The freezing temperatures are also causing difficulties for those displaced from their homes. Despite these challenges, rescue efforts continue, with thousands of people rescued and support being sent from countries around the world including specialist teams, sniffer dogs, and equipment. The damage to airports has also created challenges for aid deliveries. The United Nations has warned that thousands of children may be among the dead and the World Health Organization has warned the toll may rise dramatically as rescuers find more victims.

Turkey Earthquake Live Updates | Fourth Major Quake Of 5.6 Magnitude Hits Turkey |

 Turkey Earthquake

At least 1,600 people are now known to have been killed in Syria, where millions of refugees live in camps on the Turkish border.

Turkey lies in one of the world's most active earthquake zones.

In 1999 a quake killed more than 17,000 in the north-west, while in 1939, 33,000 people died in the eastern province of Erzincan.

This earthquake was powerful enough to be felt as far away as Cyprus, Lebanon and Israel.