In the early morning of February 7, the southern region of Turkey was hit by a shocking earthquake with high magnitude and aftershocks one after another. Chinese women's soccer star Li Jiayue, who plays in the Turkish Super League, was not spared, and her city, Adana, was only 200 kilometers away from the epicenter.
Back on Feb. 6, a massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Turkey's southern border strip with Syria, which was followed by a spate of aftershocks, including two 7.8-magnitude earthquakes. According to CCTV, the disaster claimed more than 5,000 lives in the two countries.
The Galatasaray women's soccer team, of which Li Jiayue is a member, had just finished a match away from home when the earthquake struck. Residents of Adana woke up in terror, and Jiayue Li shared on social media that she woke up in her sleep at 4 a.m. with the fear of her house shaking, and fled with her teammates, many of whom cried out in fear and pain, all feeling the threat of death like never before.
During the evacuation, Li Jiayue encountered severe aftershocks and bad storms, and the situation was worrisome.
Shui Qingxia, head coach of the Chinese women's soccer team, expressed her worries in an interview with the Turkish media, "I am also very worried, I saw the photos of her fleeing the country posted online and she was wearing a thin dress, I contacted her immediately but I haven't received any reply from her so far. I am very worried about her well-being and wish her all the best there."
As a result of the earthquake's widespread impact, sporting events in Turkey were suspended and even athletes were killed in the quake.
Li Jiayue, who has now returned to Istanbul with the team, said: "I plan to return to Turkey until the situation stabilizes. I have been contacted by the Chinese Embassy and the CFA and I expect to be home for about two weeks. If the league is postponed for a month or more, I will go home first. If the break is shorter, I will stay here for the time being because Istanbul is safe for now."
Netizens have left messages on social media expressing their concern and support for Li Jiayue: "Safety first", "Just be safe", "Everyone be safe", "Be sure to come back safely", "Go for it brother! Take good care of yourself, always support you", "There are still aftershocks, pay attention to safety", "Chinese women's soccer is now safe? Arrange to go home this morning." "There are three players in Turkey at their respective clubs and they are all safe." "Let's take a break." "It is estimated that the Turkish league must be temporarily suspended for a period of time," "Mainly running out in pajamas, how cold it is outside," "Feeling that my brother is a little tired, recently did not take a good rest "and "Be safe."
