1. Natural disasters can cause devastating and unpredictable events. 2. Human life is valuable despite the proximity of major cities to fault lines. 3. Families are forever changed by natural disasters such as earthquakes. 4. Governments must be more prepared when disaster strikes so that people may be safe and have access to help when needed most. 5. Recovery from a tragedy takes hard work, determination, and time.

Turkiye marks two years since its devastating earthquake, which took more than 11,000 lives and left over 85,000 people injured.

The world watches as the Turkiye mourns their dead and faces the challenge of recovering from a tragedy that will take many, many years. And for some, like survivor Sibel Algur, it feels as if they've never fully recovered. She shared with NPR's Amy X. Wang how the earthquake has changed her life

Even though I've been working hard to build my business after losing my husband and my brother-in-law on that day, even though I'm trying my best not to give up and continue, still, it feels like I haven't really recovered.

The two powerful earthquakes hit Turkiye's southern province of Hatay on February 6th, 2023. Their epicenter was in Gaziantep Province. The disasters' aftershocks were felt across the border in Syria.

Lessons Learned from Pain and Anger

Here are five lessons learned after two years have passed since that fateful day

1. Natural Disasters Are Devastating and Unpredictable
Turkey lies along a fault line, making natural disasters like earthquakes common. The Hatay Province was hit by another earthquake in 2018.

Despite the proximity of major cities to these fault lines, there isn't enough being done to ensure people are safe and prepared when the next disaster hits.

2. Human Life is Valuable
While human life is valuable, those who live along fault lines struggle to see its importance. Many residents have been in earthquakes before and have experienced their devastation firsthand.

3. Families Are Forever Changed by Disasters
The families of victims are forever changed by natural disasters. Survivors must learn how to cope with the loss of loved ones and find a way forward with hope for a better tomorrow.

4. Governments Must Be More Prepared When Disaster Strikes
Governments must be more prepared when disaster strikes. They need to ensure people are safe and have access to help when they need it most.

5. Recovery Is Never Easy

Recovery is never easy, especially after experiencing something as devastating as the Turkish earthquake. It's a long and arduous process that requires a lot of hard work and determination.

The people in Turkey are still recovering from this tragedy, but with time and perseverance, they will be able to rebuild their lives and move forward.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.