Elazığ Earthquake: Death Toll Rises to 40, Dozens Investigated Due to Social Media Posts

Photos: AA

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The death toll from Friday's (January 24) earthquake in eastern Elazığ province has risen to 40, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).

The 6.8-magnitude quake shook Elazığ late Friday. Tremors were also felt in neighboring countries including Syria and Georgia.

Out of 1,607 injured people, 1,515 have been discharged from the hospital, while 45 people who were trapped under the debris of houses and buildings were rescued, AFAD stated. A total of 948 aftershocks were felt, it added.

The agency said rescue work continues in the region with more than 3,800 personnel, hundreds of vehicles and 22 sniffer dogs.

AFAD further stated that 24,402 tents, 26,501 beds, 62,963 blankets and 3,652 heaters have been sent to the region.

A team of surveyors is still assessing the destruction caused by the earthquake, with initial reports suggesting that out of 2,945 buildings, 87 were demolished while 1,287 were seriously damaged and 876 suffered minor damage, the state-run AA reported.

Erdoğan: Can you stop earthquakes?

In response to criticism on social media, President and Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, "Can you stop earthquakes?"

"There are messages that agitate people on social media, these are abominable, immoral. For example, saying 'What has this government done for earthquakes for 20 years?' Can you stop earthquakes? It is impossible for anyone to do this anywhere in the world," he told reporters yesterday at İstanbul's Atatürk Airport prior to his visit to Algeria.

Since the earthquake, investigations have been opened against dozens of people, including renowned actress Berna Laçin, due to "provocative messages" on social media. (DB/AS/VK)