Desperation Grows in Earthquake-Devastated Turkey and Syria

ANKARA: More than 72 hours have passed since the first major tremor hit the Southeastern region of Turkey and bordering Syria and now the desperation and anger have started showing on the faces of the victims. Supply chains have drawn thin and hardly any of the essential food and medical supplies are reaching the far-off locations in both countries.

Rescue workers battled the near-freezing temperatures and rains in several parts of the region throughout the night even on Wednesday. They drilled and dug into the debris of the fallen building wherever any chance of survivors have been found. As the chance of finding survivors thin out gradually, rescue operations for survivors are gradually turning into search operations for dead bodies.

Without ample resources and people to take care of the identification and cremation of the dead, bodies have been kept on the streets by rescue teams in different parts of the region. Local people are suffering from a lack of confidence in their government as resources remain out of reach. Food, medicines and clothes remain the items of utmost need in the region.

Rescue and relief teams from several countries as well as international organisations have arrived at major locations in the countries. But with a huge majority of the airports out of commission, and major roads being destroyed, the distribution of the materials as well as personnel has become a huge problem for the administration.

The death tolls from the tremors have been reported to have crossed the 8500 mark. Although there is no official number about the injuries has been issued, it is believed to be well above 15000 in both countries. Apart from the United Nations, the United States, India, Germany, South Korea, Israel and the UAE sent relief materials to the region. Algeria, Iran and Russia have pledged resources to the devastated region.

Also Read: Turkey-Syria quake toll rises above 2,300

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