The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.2, struck in the Van province on October 23, 2011. The city was also hit by a second earthquake on November 9, 2011. Tens of thousands are left homeless, while over 600 people lost their lives. One month after the earthquake there has been 5205 aftershocks in the city. The city’s crowded streets before the earthquake are now empty. Most of the people leave the city because of aftershocks, cold weather and insecurity. Earthquake victims who do not leave the city live in conditions becoming much harder with theft, harrasment and rape incidents. Some of the districts at the central Van have not got any aid yet. Children started to became ill and die because of cold and malnutrition. Three big hospitals in the city are also being vacated and the medical activities are being continued in the tents.
