Zeynep Aziz
A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck eastern Turkey near Sivrice in Elazığ province on the evening of 24 January 2020. The shaking affected Elazığ and neighbouring Malatya, collapsing buildings and sending residents into freezing streets.
What happened
Turkey’s disaster authority AFAD coordinated search-and-rescue teams, emergency shelter and medical assistance. Rescue workers pulled survivors from rubble while officials warned residents not to enter damaged structures because strong aftershocks continued.
Why it mattered
The disaster killed more than 40 people and injured over 1,600. It renewed scrutiny of building standards and earthquake preparedness in a country crossed by major fault systems.
Consequences
The emergency response mobilized public agencies, municipalities and humanitarian organizations, while reconstruction and assessments continued after rescue operations ended.
