The 6th of february earthquake and the Turkish society of pediatric nephrology-organizational aspects of pediatric kidney care

Abstract

The 6 February 2023 earthquake that struck southern and central Turkey and northern and western Syria had unique drawbacks, such as the occurrence of two strong, destructive earthquakes nine hours apart in multiple and densely populated geographical areas, exposure to unforgiving winter conditions, and increased anxiety and fear due to multiple aftershocks [1, 2]. As of 26 March 2023, >50 000 people have been killed and many more have been injured in Turkey [3]. One recent editorial and a letter emphasized the vital importance of increased awareness of disaster preparedness and rapid action on organizational issues [4, 5]. Nongovernmental organizations including academic medical societies should take responsibility during disasters [6] and work together with other stakeholders. Since an earthquake should be considered a “kidney disaster” because of crush injuries and resultant acute kidney injury [7], the Turkish Society of Pediatric Nephrology (TSPN) took primary responsibility during the immediate and early phases of earthquake.