I won't try to convince anyone that I have the right words to describe a historic tragedy like the ongoing one in Turkey and Syria after this colossal series of earthquakes. Not just because I am sideways obliged to write in a non native language (otherwise it would be all Greek to you, literally) but simply cause I doubt that's even possible. It's hard to handle any earthquake above 7R unless you are Japan and they had two of almost 8R at an area that has nothing in common with Japan. It's one of the times one can feel like "God kicks with both feet and keeps his shoes clean" though I guess people around there are too religious for that (just a fact, not implying any demeaning by that).
With zero intentions to ignore the unthinkable death toll of a couple of hundreds of thousands that (I am afraid) this disaster will count at the end of the day, I would like to focus on other side effects of this black page in the history of mankind:
Countries rushing to help:
I'm happy that (reportedly) the first plane to land in Turkey with a rescue team was from the region I live but obviously (and fortunately) it's not just about Greece. So many countries offered help including the ones who (like Greece) don't have the best relations with the Turkish leadership. See this historical move - the Turkish-Armenian border opened after 35 years so that aid from Armenia could make its way to the devastated area. These 5 trucks with food and other supplies crossed a border that was closed since 1988! The list of countries that offered help is around 90 at the moment which if nothing else is an impressive number though well deserved for the poor people who suffer beyond belief and comprehension at these hard times being homeless in freezing temperatures with friends and relatives buried under ruins. Even the telecommunication providers of Greece who are far from generous are offering at the moment free calls to Turkey and Syria.
I saw a video of a Greek reporter at the spot who met Besiktas FC fans who volunteer there and they rushed to say to the microphone how thankful they feel for the help Greece has is providing. A little girl showed up later in front of the camera as these guys where taking care of her while her parents are among the ones still missing with low if not zero chances to be found alive. A minute later this girl is given a doll and her face lights up the whole place. I can't recall when it was the last time my eyes got that wet while the Greek reporter's voice is cracking.
But it's also animals who ceased their conflicts under the pressure of their common urgent needs - see this dog hugging a cat trembling in fear:
So, looks like everyone got wiser as it usually happens after huge historic impacts like this. Did the Turkish president got wiser too? To put it mildly I have my doubts. The guy banned Twitter...I mean...it's hard to comment isn't it? No surprise though. He has his own filthy participation in this disaster. It's well known that 5 constructors are the ones sharing the pie of the real estate projects in Turkey just because all 5 of them are pro Erdogan. As if the fact that they had no competition wasn't enough to keep them happy, they also tried to make even more money by building shitty stuff like the condos that collapsed. One of the lessons this tragedy offers (at a mind boggling high cost) is that a corrupted regime will not only restrict your life but will also kill you one way or another sooner or later.
Do you believe in miracles?
A baby in Turkey made an incredible job in setting new heights in humane limits - put your hands together for a 2 months old survivor who saw the light of day after 128 hours buried in concrete and bricks during sub zero temperatures (at night at least):
https://twitter.com/i/status/1624416143459987456
- i
Chances are that the latest earthquakes will mark a pre and post era, especially for Turkey. Erdogan came on power after the ruins of the 1999 earthquake and the entrance of IMF in Turkey but looks like he will leave for the exact same reasons. History's irony is hard to beat. Will this be the beginning of something more promising for Turkey? Looking at the local political scene I have my doubts though I hope so.
In an attempt to walk in the shoes of the suffering people in Turkey and Syria I would have to multiply my experience of the 1999 earthquake near Athens multiplied by a zillion times. I will never forget how the "smell" of death was around even though I didn't lose any relative or friend, not even my house. Some west areas of Athens did look like a war zone though. However, this thing today is a totally different league, not even close to be comparable. Let's keep joining our best wishes and sending help to the suffering people.