The five Boston University students studying abroad at Bogazici University in Istanbul were unaffected by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit the Van region of Turkey on Sunday morning, killing more than 279 people, a BU official said.
The death toll is expected to continue to climb in the area, which experienced more than 200 aftershocks. Rescuers are still searching through debris to find missing people, reports said.
The cold weather and snow forecasts are expected to worsen the situation, as the area has been left without electricity or much communication with the outside world.
The epicenter of the earthquake was close to the Iranian and Armenian borders, which are about 800 miles from the students.
“We have not heard any reports that the earthquake was felt in Istanbul, and don’t have any indication that our students there were affected,” said BU Study Abroad Assistant Director of Program Management, Deborah Miller.
Miller said that while earthquakes are relatively common throughout Turkey, the Study Abroad office will continue to follow developments closely.
College of Arts and Sciences freshman Irem Kaya, who was born and raised in Turkey, said that none of her friends and family were affected by the earthquake, but that she wishes the best for the victims.
“I got very upset of course, but I am used to earthquakes in Turkey, so this wasn’t a surprise for me,” Kaya said.
Some students on campus have responded by setting up fundraisers to provide relief for the earthquake victims.
“We are in a very bad condition right now,” said Turkish Student Association secretary Yasemin Hekimoglu, a College of Communication junior.
TSA members set up a table in the George Sherman Union to collect money for the Turkish Red Cross. Members said they plan to continue collecting money for the rest of the week.
“The biggest struggle for our nation right now is the accommodation of these people,” said TSA
Treasurer Egem Eraslan, a College of Engineering sophomore, said that relief efforts will likely focus on providing victims in the Van area with tents, food and supplies.
“We’re doing this for Turkey,” Eraslan said. “As a nation, it’s time for us to be strong and help each other.”
Jenny White, an associate professor of anthropology, said that while the earthquake did not personally affect her, she is keeping a blog about its impact. The blog includes a link to Google’s person finder service in Turkish that allows users to post information about victims and survivors, as well as updates on relatives and friends in the earthquake zone, she said.
Several Turkish students said they contacted family at home to make sure no one was hurt in the disaster.
“I contacted people from home, but they didn’t feel the earthquake, but felt quite saddened by what has happened in the region,” said ENG junior Yalgin Cazgir, the president of the TSA.
Though their families may be safe, some students say they were saddened to hear about what happened in their country.
“I hope the city and its people can recover as quickly as possible,” said Turkish student Sena Sebi, a freshman in CAS.
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