Buildings collapse during a devastating earthquake in Kahramanmaras, Turkey, February 10, 2023. Photo: Kyodo/VNA

As of Wednesday, the death toll of a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Turkey and Syria topped 41,000. More than 105,000 people have been injured and 2.2 million people displaced. Survivors are facing a crisis of food and shelter, while the cold weather makes living conditions even more extreme. Households in Turkey and Syria say they are dealing with the psychological trauma of witnessing the disaster.

The UN has said the rescue phase is coming to a close, with the focus turning to shelter, food and schooling. World Health Organization (WHO) Europe Director Henri Kluge said about 26 million people in Turkey and Syria are in need of humanitarian assistance, given the health risks associated with cold weather and hygiene and the higher risk of infectious diseases, especially among vulnerable groups.