Turkey: Child Survivors Take Refuge In Govt Shelters As Earthquake Leaves Over 7 Million Kids Affected. In Pics

The massive earthquake that rocked Turkey and Syria last week harmed more than seven million children, the UN said Tuesday, expressing concern that "many thousands" more have died.

Thousands Dead After Earthquake Hits Turkey And Syria

The massive earthquake and a severe aftershock that shook Turkey and Syria last week affected more than seven million children, according to the UN, which expressed fear that "many thousands" more have died. (Image Source: Getty)

"In Turkey, the total number of children residing in the ten provinces affected by the two earthquakes was 4.6 million. "2.5 million children are affected in Syria," James Elder, spokesman for UNICEF, told reporters in Geneva. (Image Source: Getty)

More than a week after a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake slammed Turkey and Syria on February 6, the dead toll has surpassed 40,000, with voices still being heard from beneath the wreckage in southern Turkey, providing a glimmer of hope for more survivors. (Image Source: Getty)

On Tuesday, nine survivors were recovered from the wreckage in Turkey, and the focus of the assistance operation has now moved to assisting individuals who are now without shelter or enough food in the brutal weather, according to news agency Reuters. (Image Source: Getty)

Families in both Turkey and Syria reported grappling with the psychological effects of the earthquake. "Whenever he forgets, he hears a loud bang and then remembers," Hassan Moaz of Aleppo, Syria, said of his 9-year-old son. "When he's sleeping and hears a sound, he wakes up and says, 'Dad, aftershock!'" (Image Source: Getty)

Over 2.2 million people have already fled the worst-affected areas, and hundreds of thousands of buildings have become untenable. (Image Source: Getty)

In Syria, where a 12-year civil war has hindered rescue efforts, the situation was especially dire. According to the Associated Press, the United Nations launched a $397 million appeal on Tuesday to give "desperately needed, life-saving help for over 5 million Syrians" for three months. (Image Source: Getty)