SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region — A magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit Turkey and Syria on early Monday, resulting in a devastating loss of life and injuring over 40,000 people. The death toll has now surpassed 9,000, with rescue teams still searching for survivors amid worsening conditions.
As rescue teams work tirelessly to retrieve bodies from under rubble, the death toll of the powerful earthquake has risen to 7,108 in Turkey and 2,530 in Syria, according to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) and Syria’s Ministry of Health, respectively.
The earthquake struck in the early hours of the morning, shaking buildings and causing widespread destruction across both countries.
Turkey’s Kahramanmaras was severely affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake. Photo: Anadolu Agency
The extent of the damage has made it difficult for rescue teams to recover the dead bodies from under rubble. Despite this, they continue to work tirelessly to help those affected by the disaster.
Over 80 countries and international organizations have come forward to aid the affected countries, providing support in the form of aid and rescue teams. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming, with many people around the world expressing their condolences and offering help.
However, it is expected that the death toll will continue to rise as the rescue teams reach more people under ruble and continue their search for survivors. The damage caused by the earthquake has been described as widespread and catastrophic, and the recovery process is expected to be long and difficult.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a state of emergency for three months in 10 affected provinces in Turkey.
In the wake of this devastating disaster, the world stands in solidarity with the people of Turkey and Syria. As the rescue teams continue their efforts, the international community remains committed to providing all the necessary support to those affected by the earthquake.
The United Nation Refugee Agency (UNHCR) announced Tuesday that the situation In Turkey and Syria is “tragic,” adding that “urgent help is needed” for the two countries.
In an announcement on Tuesday afternoon, Martin Griffiths, head of OCHA said that $250 million would be released from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to provide immediate relief across the whole region.
