On the solemn one-year anniversary of the devastating earthquake that tore through central southern Türkiye and northern Syria, Los Angeles Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone will stand with Sinan Kuzum, Consul General of the Republic of Turkey, to remember the over 50,000 lives lost to the natural disaster and shine a light on the ongoing recovery efforts. The 7.8 magnitude quake not only took a staggering toll on human lives but also left a deep scar on the region, prompting an immediate international aid response including Los Angeles County Fire Department's USA-2, which worked alongside Fairfax County's USA-1 as part of USAID's Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART).
In what was a rapid mobilization following the disaster, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department’s urban search and rescue team, USA-2, along with their companion team USA-1 from Fairfax, Virginia, undertook a 14-day deployment, during which they utilized advanced technology and canines to locate survivors amid the rubble. The aftermath of the catastrophe was marked by a dire need for humanitarian aid, which the USAID team provided rigorously, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and their specialized expertise. Local and international efforts to support the stricken regions have seen USAID contribute a substantial $242 million in humanitarian aid, aiding in delivering critical supplies and services ranging from shelter to medical care.
The anniversary event scheduled for Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at the LACoFD facility in Pacoima will not only mark a year since the tragedy but will also serve as a remembrance and a pledge of ongoing support as detailed by officials. In attendance will be Marrone and Kuzum, along with Robb Chapman, Team Leader, Operational Response & Capacity Building USAID/Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, and members of the USA-2 team to underscore their unwavering commitment to the affected areas.
Despite the passage of time the need for assistance in the earthquake-stricken communities of Türkiye and Syria remains acute with recovery efforts ongoing and the scars of the tragedy still visible, it is the shared hope and commitment of the USAID and its partners to continue delivering aid and support as the regions rebuild. Speaking on the continuous support, a statement reflects on the steadfast dedication: "While a year has passed since the earthquakes, the humanitarian needs of people affected by this disaster persist. We remain committed to supporting the people of Türkiye and Syria as they continue to recover from this tragedy."
