Earthquake shook Turkey and Syria - 15th February 2023

On 6th February, a very big earthquake happened in southeastern Turkey and parts of northwestern Syria. The earthquake was 7.8 on the Richter scale, which is very strong. The area hasn't had an earthquake like this for over 200 years.

Most people were sleeping when the earthquake happened at 4.17 in the morning. So, many people are underneath fallen buildings. People think that the buildings fell down because they weren't built very well. The government wants to arrest 133 people who built them.

People from other countries came to help find people who are trapped under the fallen buildings. They brought dogs and special equipment to help them. Some people were still found alive after a week. But over 36,000 people have died. People are worried that the number of deaths will increase.

The earthquake's affected 25 million people across Turkey and Syria. It's been difficult to get help to people in Syria as the authorities there need to give permission. The country already has many problems. It's had a war that has been happening for over 10 years.