by Prof. M. Akif Topçuoğlu, President of Turkish Neurological Society
On February 6, 2023, two very severe earthquakes occurred, nine hours apart, centered in Şehitkamil (Gaziantep) and Ekinözü (Kahramanmaraş), Türkiye. As of February 18, the earthquakes had killed more than forty thousand people in Türkiye and at least six thousand in Syria. The number of injured in Türkiye reached around one hundred and fifty thousand. It was determined that at least two million people migrated from the earthquake area. Eleven cities, three of which are big ones, where about one-seventh of Turkish population live in, were directly affected. From the first moment, all kinds of institutions, organizations and volunteers of our country rushed to help the region. In addition, the whole Earth did not leave us alone and came to help quickly. However, the disaster continues with all its violence. Now it will be necessary to re-establish life in such a large area.
Unfortunately, more than a hundred doctors died in eleven provinces affected by the devastating earthquake in Türkiye. Among them are five neurologists [Figure]. We remember them with longing and respect. These young and vivacious colleagues passed away suddenly during the most productive period of their lives. We will always try to keep their memory alive. There were 346 members of our society in the earthquake region. Now they are experiencing great difficulties since the earthquake. The Turkish society of Neurology met the demands of its members in the region within its means. It is important that all of our colleagues functioning in the earthquake area continue their education and research activities in addition to clinical health service and healing of all the wounds. In this respect, we would like to thank EAN for giving free entitlement to all our colleagues for virtual participation in the EAN congress (to be held on 1-4 July) and access to EANcampus this year. The EAN stood by the neurologists of Türkiye in these difficult days.
We, as patriotic neurologists of Türkiye, believe that we will overcome all difficulties. We once again express our condolences to those who lost their loved ones in Türkiye and Syria, and wish the injured a speedy recovery.
