Earthquake in Turkey and Syria, more than 1000 people died
Hundreds of people have been killed in Syria across the border after the 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit the southern city of Gazi Antap in Turkey. Rescue teams in both countries are continuing operations to rescue people trapped under the rubble of buildings.
The number of people killed in the early morning earthquake on February 6 in Turkey and Syria has exceeded 1,000. As a result of this severe earthquake, the death toll is expected to increase further.
In a news briefing after the earthquake, Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄźan said that according to the latest data, 912 people have died in this earthquake in Turkey, while more than 5300 have been injured. On the other hand, the health authorities in Syria also say that the death toll is more than 230.
“The death toll from the earthquake has risen to 237 and 639 people have been injured,” Ahmed Damiriyeh, an assistant to the Syrian health minister, said on Syrian state television. An earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale occurred near the important industrial center of Ghazi Antap.
Relief operations are underway
Rescue workers in Turkey and Syria continue to search for survivors from the rubble. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Twitter, “I express my best wishes to all Turkish citizens who have been affected by the earthquake.” We hope that we will come out of this disaster together as soon as possible and with minimal damage.
Many buildings were destroyed in Turkey and Syria
According to initial reports, a large number of buildings have been destroyed in the provinces of southern Turkey. The governor of Malatya province said about 130 buildings collapsed in the regional capital. Syrian state media also reported that some buildings were destroyed in the main cities of Aleppo and Hama. The tremors of this earthquake were also felt in Damascus.
Raed Ahmed, head of Syria’s National Seismological Center, told local media that it was “historically, the biggest earthquake recorded in the center’s history.”
The White Helmets, a Syrian aid group, said buildings also collapsed in rebel-held areas in northwest Syria. He added that the situation is “catastrophic”.
This region is one of the most active regions in the world affected by earthquakes
In 1999, thousands of people were killed and many were displaced by a magnitude 7.6 earthquake in the western city of Izmit, Turkey. In 2011, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake in the eastern city of Van killed more than 500 people.
International condolences
Meanwhile, many countries have stepped forward to help the earthquake victims. White House National Security Adviser Jack Sullivan said the United States is ready to help with relief efforts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has also sent a message of condolence and offered help.
“I am saddened to learn of the hundreds of people killed and injured in the earthquake in Turkey,” Zelenskiy wrote in a tweet. At this time, we stand with the people of our friendly country Turkey and are ready to provide the necessary assistance.
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Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant also said that his country is ready to provide any kind of assistance if needed. Greece is among the countries that have offered aid to Ankara. The Greek Prime Minister said that his country will immediately help the earthquake victims.
Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences and said his country was also ready to help. In a message to Erdogan, Putin said, “Please accept my deepest condolences for the massive destruction and countless human deaths caused by the powerful earthquake in your country.”