Death toll from deadly Turkey-Syria earthquakes crosses 16000, likely to rise higher

Officials reported that the death toll from the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria earlier this week is now at least 16,035. At least 12,873 people have died in Turkey as of Thursday, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD). In contrast, the number of fatalities in Syria is at least 3,162, including 1,900 in rebel-held areas in the northwest, according to White Helmets civil protection group.

A media agency reported that 1,262 people were killed in government-controlled areas. The casualties will likely rise as rescue operations are underway in both countries.

Turkey declared a three-month state of emergency on Tuesday in earthquake-hit areas. Seven days of mourning are being observed in Turkey after the devastating earthquake. According to news reports, more than 13 million people have been affected by the earthquake.

The Syrian government has set up more than 100 shelters equipped with aid supplies for people affected by the earthquake in government-controlled areas, including Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Tartus and Latakia, reports a media agency. On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan admitted shortcomings in the earthquake response. He stressed that the weather conditions had magnified the magnitude of the destruction caused by the earthquake. Erdogan made the remarks during his visit to the epicentre of Monday’s earthquake.

A media agency quoted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan saying, “Of course, there are loopholes. The conditions are clear. It is not possible to be prepared for such a disaster. We will not neglect any of our citizens.” India is extending its support to Turkey through the ongoing crisis following the earthquake’s tremors on February 6. Earthquakes, measuring 7.7 and 7.6 on the Richter scale, ripped through Turkey and Syria on February 6, followed by a series of aftershocks that caused massive destruction.