Turkey Earthquake Death Toll Passes 29,000
Devastation Continues as Rescue Efforts Wind Down
Rescue efforts are winding down in Turkey as authorities shift focus to long-term recovery, but the combined death toll from the February 6 earthquake in Turkey and Syria has climbed to more than 36,000, according to official figures.
In Turkey, the number of confirmed fatalities stands at 29,605 as of March 11, 2023, according to the country's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).
Meanwhile, in Syria, the combined death toll across government- and rebel-held areas has risen to 6,414, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake, which struck southeastern Turkey and northern Syria, was the deadliest in the region in more than a century. It was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks, further exacerbating the damage and making rescue operations extremely challenging.
Rescue workers from around the world have been deployed to the affected areas to assist in the search for survivors and provide humanitarian aid. However, as time goes on, the chances of finding people alive are diminishing.
The devastation caused by the earthquake has been overwhelming. Buildings have collapsed, infrastructure has been destroyed, and entire communities have been wiped out. Thousands of people have been left homeless, and many are in desperate need of food, water, shelter, and medical attention.
The Turkish government has declared a three-month state of emergency in the affected provinces and has pledged to provide financial assistance to those who have lost their homes or loved ones. International aid organizations are also providing support, with the United Nations launching a $1 billion appeal to fund humanitarian operations in Turkey and Syria.
The recovery process is expected to be long and challenging. With so many people displaced and homes destroyed, the rebuilding process could take years.
Comments