Issue 1189
Rhifyn 1189
Cardiff University’s student paper | Established 1972
20 February 2023
gair rhydd
20 Chwefror 2023
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Inside: What do Cardiff students think about the strikes? (Page 13)
Earthquakes cause devastation in Turkey and Syria George Gourlay Politics Editor
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ngoing rescue efforts to locate survivors trapped under the rubbled remains of cities in Turkey and Syria are reaching exhaustion after days of searching following two earthquakes that have so far claimed the lives of over 25,000 people. The quakes struck in the early hours of Monday, 6th February, along the East Anatolian fault near to the city of Gaziantep in Turkey. The first shock registered at 7.8 magnitude, followed by an aftershock of 7.6 magnitude just hours later. The temblors ripped across 31 miles in Southern Turkey and Northern Syria, extending to Syria’s second largest city Aleppo. More than 40 aftershocks have been felt since the initial quake with tremors being felt as far as Cyprus, Egypt and Lebanon. The impact has been severe with the death toll exceeding 21,000 in Turkey, 3,500 in Syria. 80,000 are currently being treated in hospital while millions (1.05m for Turkey, 5.3m for Syria) have been left homeless. Rescuers have been undeterred in their efforts to retrieve survivors since Monday with the dramatic scenes even being broadcast on Turkish television, providing much needed hope to the anxious population. However, as the hours since the initial tremors continue to tick along, the chances of survival for those still entombed in the ruins are becoming slimmer. Experts say that barely 6% of earthquake victims survive if they have not been rescued within 5 days. This is in contrast to 74% after 24 hours. Victims and rescuers have also been competing with freezing weather conditions as a winter blizzard has covered major roads in snow and ice. In Syria, the situation is exacerbated by the longstanding civil war that has hampered international rescue teams’ access to those requiring aid. Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secre-
tary General, António Guterres, explained to the BBC that it is “hard to imagine a more complex emergency” in Syria. Dujarric elaborates: “You’re dealing with a country that has been in conflict for 12 years, where already before this humanitarian emergency there was a long-standing humanitarian crisis with more than four million people needing aid.” Aid to both Turkey and Syria has been arriving arduously to address the estimated 870,000 people who urgently need food and shelter. However it remains to be seen how the discrepancy in international favour between the two countries will translate into how much aid each receives as Syria remains under onerous Western sanctions. In an uncharacteristic move, the Syrian government, who have been internationally isolated for more than a decade, approved the delivery of humanitarian aid in cooperation with the UN, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. The World Bank has pledged $1.78bn in aid to Turkey and The United States has offered an $85m (£70.6m) support package for those in need. Turkey’s President Erdogan, calling the earthquake the “disaster of the century”, has vowed to take “every necessary step”, including the declaration of a state of emergency in ten provinces for three months. However, criticism towards President Erdogan is also emerging over the government’s initial response and the lack of preparation for the catastrophe. The public has started to express frustration over shortcomings in the relief response, in particular around the state’s failure to coordinate with local authorities and relief agencies. To read George's full article on the imapct of the earthquakes , turn to page 6
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Wales lost in their first game to Ireland at the Principality Stadium, Image: Magnus Hagdorn (via Flickr)
Wales face major disappointment in Six Nations Under the roof of the Principality with the deafening roar of the Welsh crowd and Gatland back in charge, Welsh fans were in high spirits. Unfortunately for Wales, their Six Nations got off to the worst possible start when they were beaten 34-10 by Ireland in Cardiff last Saturday. The opening stages were devastating for
Wales as Ireland sealed their win within the first 25 minutes of the game. Reflecting on the match, Warren Gatland said his team "created a number of chances in the game and just weren’t clinical enough to finish them.” Ireland had a great start scoring a try within the first 3 minutes, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Ireland’s speed and recycling of the ball made it difficult for Wales to gain control, it was imperative for Gatland’s
Welsh side to slow the game down. Ireland’s James Ryan secured the second try of the afternoon demonstrating excellent efficiency from the visiting side.
Francesca Ionescu
Nansi Eccott
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Evan Johnson-Charteris Comment Editor
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To read Francesca's article on the Ukrainian President's visit, turn to page 10
I ddarllen erthygl Nansi am y newidiadau, trowch i dudalen 12
To read Evan's article on concert price controversy, turn to page 16
Jess Margetson Contributor
Zelensky vistis UK Politics Editor
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Are concerts Dathlu Dydd Miwsig Cymru too expensive? Pennaeth Taf-od
krainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has visited the UK for the first time since the beginning of the Russian conflict, the invasion starting almost a year ago . The visit was not anticipated, and consisted of meetings inside Downing Street and a public address to MPs and peers. - a press conference with the Ukrainian leader and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and signing of the London Declaration.
To read Jess' article on the Six Nations opening weekend, turn to page 23
ros yr wythnosau nesaf bydd miloedd o Gymry ar hyd a lled y wlad yn bloeddio canu un o ganeuon enwocaf y wlad wrth i’n tîm rygbi gamu ar y cae ym Mhencampwriaeth y Chwe Gwlad. Er mai ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ oedd un o’r caneuon cyfrwng Cymraeg cyntaf i’w recordio ym 1899, erbyn hyn mae gennym ni gyfoeth o ganeuon ac artistiaid Cymraeg yng Nghymru, a phwysig yw eu dathlu nhw.
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n the past few weeks Cardiff has been blessed with a number of world famous acts all announcing that they will soon be coming to perform in the capital. When one checks the TicketMaster website, the list of blockbuster names coming to Cardiff is astonishing; from the ‘first lady of music’ Beyonce to The Streets to recent Grammy award sweeping artist Harry Styles to countless more 16