Turkey earthquake: Desperate search continues as death toll tops 8,700
More than 8,700 people have been confirmed dead in Turkey and Syria following Monday’s earthquake. The Turkey death toll is at 6,234, according to the country’s disaster agency. The death toll in Syria is hard to verify, but state media and a rescue group say more than 2,500 people have been killed.
The death toll is expected to continue to rise, as rescuers warn time in running out, and cold weather kicks in.
The World Health Organization said the toll will likely rise dramatically as the search and rescue teams pull more victims from the rubble.
Thousands of buildings across both countries have collapsed, with many trapped underneath. Emergency workers worked through a freezing cold night in a race against time to save anyone they can.
International aid amid devastation
A three-month state of emergency has been declared in Turkey in the 10 provinces worst affected by the quake.
In his speech, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said 70 countries had offered help in search-and-rescue operations and that Turkey planned to open up hotels in the tourism hub of Antalya, to the west, to temporarily house people affected by the quakes.
Yesterday, a team of 77 British specialists – along with dogs and specialist equipment, touched down in Turkey as they help in the rescue efforts.
Other countries, such as Italy, the US and Israel, have also send specialist equipment to the disaster areas.
Some international aid has reached Syria but access is limited because of damaged roads.
Cold weather hampering rescue efforts
Rescuers are working in freezing temperatures to dig through the remains of buildings flattened by the earthquakes, says Al Jazeera.
More bad weather is expected to hit the region, further hampering rescue operations. Downed buildings and destroyed roads have also made it difficult to find survivors and get crucial aid into affected areas. Several airports have also been closed after being damaged by the earthquakes.
The earthquake’s epicentre is home to millions of Syrian refugees living in Turkey outside the city of Gaziantep. Thousands of residents have been left without shelter in freezing temperatures.
Syrian refugees make up more than 1.7 million of the 15 million people inhabiting the 10 provinces affected by the earthquake, United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.
