Turkey-Syria Earthquake: Rains Halt Rescue Ops, Combined Death Toll Crosses 5,100

The combined death toll from the 7.9-magnitude earthquake that struck southern Turkey on Monday has crossed the grim milestone of 5,000, leaving tens of thousands injured in southern Turkey and northern Syria.

Turkey’s vice president Fuat Oktay said that the death toll in Turkey has reached 3,419, according to a report by Reuters. The death toll shared by the Syrian government is 812 and the death toll shared by authorities in rebel-held northwestern Syria has reached 790. This takes the combined official death tolls from Turkey, Syria and the rebel-held areas of Syria to 5,021.

Reports shared by news agency Reuters from Hatay said that in one location people are able to hear the sounds of those trapped under the rubble but are failing to reach out to them.

In certain parts of the affected regions, shell shocked survivors have joined hands with the relief teams to help with rescue efforts.

The AFAD in its latest statement said that they have rescued 8,000 people from more than 4,700 destroyed buildings in its latest statement.

The AFAD in its latest statement said that they have rescued 8,000 people from more than 4,700 destroyed buildings in its latest statement. Turkey has deployed more than 24,400 people in search and rescue operations with most of them consisting of volunteers.

Relief teams from the US, UK, China, Russia, India, Japan, Iraq, Iran, Australia, New Zealand, Greece and Pakistan are reaching Turkey. India has sent two IAF military aircrafts loaded with modern drilling equipment, medical aid and other essential items. Two highly-trained NDRF teams, consisting of male and female personnel, have also been deployed to help with rescue operations.

One flight carrying personnel and supplies has landed in Turkey’s Adana and another flight with aid and personnel has left the Hindon Air Base.

(this is a developing story, more details are being added)

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