According to the country’s crisis management organization, at least 1,498 people were killed in 10 provinces of Turkey, with another 7,600 injured. UPDATE: The overall number of deaths has risen to 2,249.
The pre-dawn quake struck Pazarcik in Turkey’s southern Kahramanmaras province and was followed by many strong aftershocks. Thousands of buildings on both sides of the border were destroyed, and the death toll was anticipated to grow as rescue teams looked for survivors among the vast mountains of rubble.
Turkey and Syria have both proclaimed states of emergency.
The President Issued A Response This Morning Via Twitter:
I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Turkiye and Syria. I have directed my team to continue to closely monitor the situation in coordination with Turkiye and provide any and all needed assistance.
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 6, 2023
António Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations, has tweeted his condolences to those affected by the earthquakes, saying that the UN is ready to support emergency response efforts:
I am deeply saddened by the news of the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye & Syria, and offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 6, 2023
The @UN stands ready to support emergency response efforts.
The UK is the latest country to announce it will send assistance to Turkey as well as northern Syria.
The UK is sending immediate support to Türkiye including a team of 76 search & rescue specialists, equipment and rescue dogs.
— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) February 6, 2023
In Syria, the UK-funded White Helmets have mobilised their resources to respond.
We stand ready to provide further support as needed.
The number is expected to grow significantly, as many people are feared to be buried behind rubble in collapsed buildings.
