Ugandan Survivor in Turkey Earthquake Narrates Moments Before Disaster
Wreckage caused by the earthquake in Turkey
Death toll continues to mount after a powerful earthquake and massive aftershocks hit Turkey and Syria causing widespread destruction early Monday.
One of the survivors is a Ugandan named Namukwaya Jamilah who resided in Diyarbakir province has narrated the events prior to the deadly earthquake that saw tens of thousands of people lose their lives and property.
Jamillah recalls that the earthquake started at around 3AM while they slept after a long day at work in a room they shared with two others.
“When it hit, we were too quick to look for an exit plan. It was so difficult to get out of the building because a lot was happening; the building was shaking, debris from the falling building, gas pipes were leaking,” she said.
“But we were affected by the leaking gas and my friend was rushed in the ambulance for first aid because she was not doing well.” She said,
Efforts to rescue survivors and casualties are still ongoing with first aiders still combing through the wreckage amidst the unreasonable cold weather which Jamillah notes has made the catastrophe even more complicated.
‘The weather was so bad, with a lot of snow but we did not remember all that we just wanted to survive. We ran out naked and only noticed in the morning.”
At least 17,674 people have been reported dead in Turkey with many left homeless and missing nearly 100 hours after the disaster hit.
Jamillah says all their documentation was destroyed in the building and they are currently living without passports.
“We could not save anything. All our documents and identification remained in the building.” She said,
Despite the cold, families had to spend nights in tents, churches, schools, gyms and some stores but beds were scarce and people barely had enough to feed on.
“A fellow Ugandan took us in and housed us while we continue to look for more help because she is also looking for ways to survive,”
“Shortly after the building crashed down, they rounded up the survivors and took us to a certain camp. We were feeding on bread and soup. Then move to our friend’s place to sleep.” She said,
Jamillah had been staying at the building for only two weeks before the earthquake so she was not familiar with other Ugandans in the area.
“We were only four Ugandans that I knew of. The other two were staying on the 7th floor and I’m not sure if they survived. We tried to access the building and try to look through the debris for our stuff but we were stopped.” She said,
Jamillah calls upon the Ugandan government to help them financially and also try to provide basic needs, permits and documents.
“Police told us we could not get anything unless the Ugandan embassy gives us a notice that they have allowed us to get new passports and help us send them this side.” She concluded the video call.
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