On Monday, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey and northern Syria, killing more than 1,900 people, and damaging countless buildings.
The earthquake hit southern Turkey’s Gaziantep and Kahramanmaras provinces and northwestern Syria while many were still sleeping. Turkish residents have posted videos of buildings collapsing in the wake of deadly aftershocks. Gaziantep Castle, an ancient castle built over 2,000 years ago, was severely damaged in the wake. The string aftershocks were felt across the region for hours after the first quake, including another severe quake measuring magnitude 7.5.
UPDATE: Since this morning, the total combined death toll has climbed to 2,249. In Turkey, 1,498 reportedly dead, according to CNBC citing the the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority. Syria’s state news agency reported 371 deaths and 1,089 injured in the Aleppo, Hama, Latakia and Tartous regions, as a result of the first earthquake.
In a statement released on his official Twitter account, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the government was mobilizing relief efforts in the southern region. He also said “that we will overcome this disaster together in the shortest time and with the least amount of damage.” The death toll is expected to rise.
The UN is ready to support emergency response efforts following the deadly tragedy. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres tweeted on Monday.
“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,” he wrote.
US President Joe Biden also released a statement this morning saying, “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.”
Biden has “authorized an immediate U.S. response” in the aftermath of the powerful earthquakes.
“Jill and I were deeply saddened by the news of the devastating earthquakes that have thus far claimed thousands of lives in Turkiye and Syria. My Administration has been working closely with our NATO Ally Turkiye, and I authorized an immediate U.S. response,” Biden said in an official statement Monday morning. Senior US officials, he said, are coordinating their Turkish counterparts on assistance needs.
“Our teams are deploying quickly to begin to support Turkish search and rescue efforts and address the needs of those injured and displaced by the earthquake,” Biden said.
Source
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/middleeast/live-news/turkey-earthquake-latest-020623/index.html