Following Monday’s powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake, followed by several strong aftershocks, hit southern Turkey and northern Syria, authorities said, at least 1,498 people have died and 8,533 people were injured in Turkey after the devastating earthquake ripped through Turkey and Syria, according to Yunus Sezer, the head of Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD).
There are 15,000 rescue personnel working in the region, and due to the bad weather, they are using helicopters and planes to reach the earthquake locations, Sezer said.
At least 2,834 buildings were damaged, and authorities are working on providing shelter for the citizens for the night, the official added.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed ‘deep sadness at the tragic loss of life and destruction’ in Turkey and Syria due to the earthquake.
He noted that an ‘initial response’ from the US is already underway, and committed to providing assistance ‘in the days, weeks, and months ahead.’
He said: ‘We extend our condolences to the families of those affected and are assessing our comprehensive response options.
‘I have directed my team to remain in close contact with our Turkish allies and our humanitarian partners in the coming days to determine what the region needs,’ Blinken said in a statement Monday.
At least 120 aftershocks have occurred following Monday’s powerful earthquake in southern Turkey, according to an update from Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD).
Turkey has sent a formal request to NATO and allies for assistance in dealing with the aftermath of Monday’s earthquake.
The country has requested medical assistance and equipment, various urban search and rescue units as well as ‘extreme weather-proof fully equipped field hospitals with technical personnel for assembly.’
Authorities urged people not to enter damaged buildings due to the risks.
‘Our priority is to bring out people trapped under ruined buildings and to transfer them to hospitals,’ Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said.
In Turkey, the death toll stood at 1,651, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said, and 11,119 people were recorded as injured. Around 1,700 buildings have collapsed.
At least 968 people were killed in Syria, according to figures from the Damascus government and rescue workers in the northwestern region controlled by insurgents.
