Two powerful earthquakes struck south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria on February 6, killing hundreds and wrecking homes and infrastructure across the region. Among those who have extended condolences and shown sympathy with Turkey and Syria are the presidents of Ethiopia, South Africa, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, Burundi, Algeria, Gambia, amongst others. Their sympathies came after dozens of nations and organisations pledged to assist with rescue efforts in southern Turkey and northern Syria following Monday’s earthquake, which killed over 23,000 people.
As far as we know, the following Africans have survived the Turkey earthquake:
Four South Africans imprisoned in Turkey were not hurt in the catastrophic earthquake
According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), four South Africans incarcerated in a Turkish prison escaped injuries during the country’s earthquake. Clayson Monyela, the department’s spokesperson, told News24 on Tuesday that the situation in the earthquake-ravaged country was being closely followed.
“We are aware of four SA prisoners whose prison was affected, but there were no injuries. They’re fine. It’s a developing situation, so we will continue to monitor it. Our embassy in Ankara is on standby to assist any South African who may require it,” he stated.
The embassy also stated that no additional South Africans were reported to have been killed in the earthquake.
Eight Zimbabwean Students in Turkey are safe
After the terrible earthquake that struck areas of Turkey and Syria early Monday morning, eight Zimbabwean students studying in Turkey are safe.
Alfred Mutiwazuka, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Turkey, said that he had not heard news of Zimbabweans killed in the earthquake.
“We have a sad situation here, but from a Zimbabwean perspective, we know of eight university students learning here,” he said. He added, “All of them are safe and have been given tents by rescue teams.”
“We will continue to check if there are any other Zimbabweans who might have been affected.”
There were no Nigerians killed in the Turkey earthquake
Although there was evidence that some Africans may have been affected by the earthquake in Turkey, there had been no reports of any Nigerian casualties, according to Enifoma Ubogu, Vice President of the Nigerian Community in Turkey, on Tuesday.
Ghanaian Midfielder, Priscilla Okyere survives quake
27-year old Ghana and Hatayspor midfielder, Priscilla Okyere survived Monday’s terrible earthquake but is still afraid to sleep for fear of another one occurring.
“I have not been sleeping for four days – I’m so scared to go to sleep.” Okyere said in an interview with the BBC. “Even today, we had a safe place to sleep. I haven’t closed my eyes from 5am till now,” she added.
Okyere is now in Ankara, Turkey’s capital, after her coach arranged for her and her seven roommates to evacuate Hatay in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Meanwhile, one of Okyere’s compatriots and fellow Ghanaian who play for Hatayspor’s men’s squad, Christian Atsu, is still missing.