Turkey-Syria Earthquake: 24,000 Dead, Ongoing Rescue Efforts

ANKARA: Following two earthquakes that struck the region on Monday, February 6, the death toll in Turkey and Syria has risen steadily. The deadliest earthquake to hit the area, according to the most recent statistics, claimed more than 24,000 lives.

24 Cypriot children between the ages of 11 and 14 who were in Turkey for a volleyball event when the earthquake engulfed their hotel were among the worst casualties. Ten of their bodies were returned to northern Cyprus, where they were born. According to Turkish media, at least 19 members of the group, including 15 accompanying adults, have now been officially ruled deceased.

In Turkey, rescue teams performed a number of daring extractions from the rubble. While providing millions of hot meals, tents, and blankets, the Turkish government is still having difficulty reaching many people in need.

After five days of sorrow and agony, anger at the subpar construction and the Turkish government's handling of the country's worst calamity in almost a century has gradually grown. 12,141 buildings were either completely destroyed or severely damaged, according to local officials.

Millions of people in Turkey and Syria are without a house as a result of the 7.4 magnitude earthquakes, which occurred during a harsh winter. Since 33,000 people perished in a 7.8-magnitude tremor in 1939, this tremor was the most severe and deadly one to ever occur.

In just Syria, 5.37 million people will require housing assistance, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). It was the deadliest earthquake to hit Turkey in more than 80 years when it occurred on Monday across both Turkey and Syria.

A $25 million grant has been promised by the UN for residents of Syria's earthquake-affected regions. Additionally, $25 million in funding for emergency operations in both Turkey and Syria was announced earlier this week.

Separately, as part of Operation Dost, India has dispatched 841 cartons of medical supplies, safety equipment, and diagnostics to earthquake-stricken Turkey and Syria. A few of the medications that have been sent are Ceftriaxone GM INJ, Propofol INJ, and Paracetamol 100 ML IV. Clothes, gloves, shoe covers, and caps are among the safety and protection supplies that have been given.

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