A 7.8 magnitude earthquake shocked Turkey and Syria near their shared border on February 6th. As of Friday morning, it is estimated that over 21,000 people have died. Less than 12 hours later, a second quake hit that was nearly as strong as the first. In the days since, at least 100 smaller earthquakes have also hit as aftershocks. 

Near the epicenter, in Turkey’s Gaziantep Province, entire districts of cities and towns have been leveled. earthquake-comes-at-a-critical-time-for-the-countrys-future.html">Thousands of buildings have collapsed in Turkey and Syria, including hospitals, schools and apartments — many with people still inside. Aid workers and civilians alike have been working nonstop over the past few days to rescue survivors from the rubble. But it has been too slow for many, and supplies like food and warm shelter have been limited. 

We speak with Shirin Jaafari, reporter covering the Middle East for The World. Jaafari has previously reported from Gaziantep, the epicenter of the quake, and has been speaking with survivors in Syria in the aftermath.