Istanbul, Turkey: More than 2,000 people have been confirmed dead after two powerfull earthquakes rattled Turkey and Syria on Monday. The death toll is expected to rise as the rescue workers continue to search for victims in rubble. The first earthquake of 7.8 magnitude struck near Gaziantep early Monday, followed by a new 7.5 tremor after midday, knocking down a number of buildings.
Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has confirmed that as many as 1,541 people have lost their lives and at least 9,733 people injured. While in Syria, over 800 feared dead as rescue operation continues.
According to the US Geological Survey said quake was centred about 33 kilometres (20 miles) from Gaziantep about 26 kilometres (16 miles) from the town of Nurdagi. It was centred 18 kilometres (11 miles) deep, according to the US Geological Survey.
Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) has informed that at least 120 aftershocks have been reported in Turkey after the earthquake struck the country.
Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management agency was centered in the town of Pazarcik, in Kahramanmaras province. The European Union is sending rescue teams and preparing further help for Turkey, the bloc’s crisis management commissioner said.
“Teams from the Netherlands and Romania are already on their way,” with the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre overseeing their deployment, commissioner Janez Lenarcic tweeted.
Watch | Horrifying footage showing the extent of disaster
Turkey, Syria earthquake: World leaders pledge support
World leaders and international organisations pledged support and humanitarian aid following the earthquakes. As many as 45 nations had already offered assistance with search and rescue efforts, said the Turkish President.
Meanwhile, Turkey’s military has established an air corridor to enable search and rescue teams to reach disaster zones as quickly as possible. “We mobilized our planes to send medical teams, search and rescue teams and their vehicles to the earthquake zone,” a statement citing Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said.
Syrian President Bashar Assad held an emergency meeting of the Cabinet to discuss the damage and necessary procedures. State television in Syria showed rescue teams searching for survivors in heavy rain and sleet.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared that India will provide “all possible assistance” to Turkey to deal with the devastating earthquake that hit the country early on February 6. The decision to help Turkey was taken in a meeting led by PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister which was attended by the Cabinet Secretary and representatives of relevant Ministries.
“Anguished by the loss of lives and damage of property due to the Earthquake in Turkey. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. India stands in solidarity with the people of Turkey and is ready to offer all possible assistance to cope with this tragedy,” said PM Modi in a message after the earthquake ravaged the southcentral region of Turkey.
US President Joe Biden said he was “deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation.”
“I have directed my team to continue to closely monitor the situation in coordination with Türkiye and provide any and all needed assistance,” the US President tweeted.
