Turkey earthquake: A devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook Turkey and northern Syria early on Monday morning, leaving at least 641 people, with the number expected to rise further. As per local media reports, hundreds of people are still trapped under debris while rescue mission continues in the cities and adjacent areas.
900 buildings collapsed due to earthquake
As per Turkey’s disaster and emergency management agency, at least 284 people were killed in seven Turkish provinces. It added that at least 440 people have been injured. Meanwhile, in Syria, the death toll climbed to 245 while 630 people remain injured. At least 147 people were killed in rebel-held areas.
As many as 900 buildings were destroyed in Turkey’s Gaziantep and Kahramanmaras provinces, while a hospital collapsed in Mediterranean coastal city of Iskanderoun, Vice President Feat Otkay said.
“Unfortunately, at the same time, we are also struggling with extremely severe weather conditions,” Oktay told reporters. The earthquake has damaged Gaziantep castle, which is a history landmark in Southern Turkey built during the 2nd and 3rd centuries.
WHO expresses concerns
“National authorities will be focussing on search and rescue at the moment,” a WHO spokesperson told Reuters in a statement. “Then we will expect an increased need for trauma care to treat the injured and to support the entire health system in affected areas.”
India extends support
The Indian government has extended support to the earthquake hit country by sending two teams from India’s National Disaster Response Force comprising 100 personnel with specially trained dog squads. The country has also offered medical aid with a doctors’ team heading to the site.
Pime minister, Narendra Modi, tweeted his concern for Turkey after the earthquake. “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.”
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. https://t.co/vYYJWiEjDQ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 6, 2023
“Deeply pained to learn that the devastating earthquake has also affected Syria. My sincere condolences to the families of the victims. We share the grief of Syrian people and remain committed to provide assistance and support in this difficult time,” he said in another tweet.”
Deeply pained to learn that the devastating earthquake has also affected Syria. My sincere condolences to the families of the victims. We share the grief of Syrian people and remain committed to provide assistance and support in this difficult time.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 6, 2023
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the temblor occurred at 4.17 a.m. at a depth of 17.9 km. The reports have suggested that the quake was also felt in the capital Ankara and other Turkish cities, and also across the wider region.
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