Two earthquakes measuring 7.8 and 7.5 on the Richter scale that struck Turkey and Syria last Monday left a gloomy picture in several areas of those countries. A reminder of the importance of preparing as much as possible for these events, especially in countries like Ecuador, which are in a seismic zone.

The earthquakes, one of the strongest in the region in the last 100 years, have claimed more than 7,200 lives as of yesterday – many more are feared – and tens of thousands injured, as authorities in both countries deployed rescue teams to several cities in a race against time for survivors in hundreds of collapsed buildings.

Why the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria were so deadly and devastating

Amidst the chaos, several videos have gone viral, including two that offered hope: a newborn baby – whose mother had died shortly before – being rescued from the remains of a building and another of a group of children emerging from the rubble with the help of rescuers and volunteers. Turkey has declared a three-month state of emergency in ten southeastern provinces, which are most affected by the movements. While the WHO indicated that in the area “23 million people are exposed” to the consequences of the earthquake, “including five million vulnerable people”.

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According to Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are no affected Ecuadorians in the area.

This tragedy brings back the debate about what countries do to try to reduce damage when events like earthquakes occur.

In 2016, Ecuador lived through a drama that produces families, cities and the country in general. He left death, destruction and pain not only in Pedernales, Manabí, but also in Esmeraldas and Guayas.

For this reason, it is important that the authorities generate preventive plans, from building regulations to how citizens should act. And the population, to be informed and to participate in the strategies created by the local and central government. (OR)