ISTANBUL – The death toll in southern Turkey and northern Syria, which has been devastated by a massive earthquake, has exceeded 7,200. Tens of thousands were injured. Thousands are trapped under more than 6,000 collapsed buildings. The search continues to find them even in extreme cold. Aid from countries including India started reaching both countries. Due to damaged roads, emergency medical aid is delayed in reaching the disaster area.
There were 3 strong earthquakes on Monday. The first was in Gaziantep, Turkey, before dawn. Intensity 7.8. A second tremor of magnitude 7.5 occurred in the afternoon. A third in the evening – magnitude 6. Turkey also reported 285 aftershocks.
Over 5,000 confirmed deaths in Turkey; 20,426 people were injured. More than 2,000 people died in Syria. According to the World Health Organization, 2.3 crore people have been affected in both countries. This includes 14 lakh children. The death toll is estimated to be as high as 20,000. Indian Army and National Disaster Response Force teams arrived in Turkey and Syria yesterday in a special Air Force flight for rescue and medical assistance.
English Summary: Turkey and Syria earthquake updates