After a powerful earthquake hit Turkey and Syria on Monday, February 6, many citizens of these two neighboring countries ended up under the rubble.
Considering the harsh conditions, dust and the fact that they survived for a long time without food and drink, many wondered how long the survivors could be under the rubble.
This issue has been clarified by many experts who have said that it depends on various factors, reports the BBC.
How long he can survive is affected by the survivor's position at the time the building collapsed, his access to air and water, climate, weather conditions, and the person's physical ability.
Although most survivors are rescued within 24 hours, these days we are witnessing miraculous cases of survivors being rescued even after 108 hours.
Although it is technically impossible to predict an earthquake, the position you take at that moment is crucial for survival.
According to expert advice, the best position at this moment is the so-called "drop, cover and hold", which means kneeling, hiding under the table and staying in that position until the shaking stops.
"Finding shelter in something safe like a massive table or dining table increases your chances of survival," says Jetri Regmi, technical officer at the World Health Emergencies Programme.
The availability of water and air are essential to survival when you find yourself under rubble.
Although by some estimates people can survive without water for three to seven days, depending on the severity of injuries, blood loss can reduce this number.
At times like this, the ability to assess bodily injuries that have occurred after an earthquake is crucial.
If a person suffers a head injury or other serious injuries and their breathing space is restricted, the chances of surviving more than 24 hours are very low.
The outdoor climate also has a big impact on how long victims can survive.
According to experts, the winter conditions in Turkey make the situation even more difficult, as it is very easy to get hypothermia.