February 06, 2023, At least 1,498 deaths were reported in Turkey, with another 810 in Syria, after powerful earthquakes brought thousands of buildings crashing down in both countries.
Initial magnitude 7.8 tremors in southeastern Turkey early on Monday is followed by magnitude 7.6 earthquake hours later amid several aftershocks.
Turkey’s death toll has risen to 1,498
The death toll in Turkey has risen to 1,498, the head of the country’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority said.
Orhan Tatar said all the areas impacted by the quake had been reached by teams, adding that reinforcements continue. At least 8,533 have been injured in the earthquake, Tatar said, adding that 2,834 buildings have been destroyed in southeastern Turkey.
In Syria: earthquakes bring on yet another disaster with the death of 810. It is the latest disaster for people who have already suffered much. The images of Syrians, young and old, helplessly being pulled out from under the rubble have sadly become a common sight over the nearly 12 years of war in Syria, particularly in the opposition-held northwest of the country. But this time, it was not air raids or shelling but a natural phenomenon that was responsible.
Many countries and organizations have offered to assist rescue efforts in southeastern Turkey and northwestern Syria. China, European Union, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Italy, Israel, NATO, Norway, Poland, Qatar, Spain, Russia, Ukraine, UNHCR, UK, US, WHO, etc., have pledged to aid in search and rescue operations.
