Rescuers search for survivors in rubble after earthquake kills 4,800 

Turkey has suffered one of its most deadly earthquakes with a confirmed death toll at 4,300 and continuing to rise. The death toll is expected to rise rapidly as more sites are searched in the wide area. 

There is currently a massive search and rescue operation happening. Rescuers are racing to save people trapped beneath the rubble after thousands of buildings collapsed in both Turkey and Syria. 

Thousands of buildings have collapsed after the 7.8 magnitude quake near Gaziantep, Turkey, hit in the early hours of Monday while people were asleep. A 7.5-magnitude quake then hit nearby several hours later, causing further damage to a region that was already badly shaken. 

There has been an appeal for international aid – with the UK, US and more offering their support. 

Turkey’s emergency agency AFAD says more than 2,600 personnel from 65 countries have been sent to the disaster area to assist Turkish rescuers.

Severe weather hampers earthquake rescuers in Turkey and Syria

Bad weather is making the rescue efforts difficult as many are still believed to be trapped in the rubble.  

According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake struck at 4:17 am on Monday at a depth of about 17.9km (11 miles), leading to the collapse and destruction of buildings across the region. It was also felt in Cyprus and Lebanon.

In addition to the quakes, Turkey’s Vice President Fuat Oktay said authorities were also struggling with “extremely severe weather conditions”.

“We are trying to reach the region as quickly as possible,” Oktay told the media.

Al Jazeera’s Sinem Koseoglu, reporting from Istanbul, said harsh winter conditions made the situation on the ground “very difficult”.

“Everywhere there is snow or rain, and it’s very cold … the weather conditions and the climate is making it very difficult for the rescue workers and civilians,” she said. “It seems to be the biggest challenge for everyone.”