The death toll is rising from a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit southeast Turkey and northern Syria early on Monday.
The earthquake, which struck the province of Kahramanmaras, has been described as a “historic disaster” by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with the death toll expected to rise. The quake was followed by another powerful tremor with a 7.7 magnitude in the same region.
He said the authorities have so far found at least 912 people killed and more than 5,000 injured.
Erdogan reported that 2,818 buildings have collapsed and 5,385 people have been injured.
The World Health Organization is working with Turkish authorities to support the massive international effort to deal with the earthquake damage.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, has expressed solidarity with the victims in both countries and the European Union’s top foreign policy official has announced that ten member states are providing urban search and rescue teams to help Turkey.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has also confirmed that members of the alliance are mobilizing support to help Turkey in the aftermath of the earthquake.
U.S. President Biden has directed his team to closely monitor the situation in coordination with Turkey and provide any necessary assistance. In a tweet, he expressed his sadness over the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake and pledged to provide help where needed.
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