Death toll rises to over a thousand in disastrous Maraş earthquakes

Photo: AA
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More than 1.500 people died in Türkiye and Syria after two powerful earthquakes hit the southeastern province of Maraş within 12 hours. An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 happened at Pazarcık, Maraş, at 04:17 AM. At 13.24 PM, another 7.6 magnitude earthquake occurred in Elbistan, Maraş. Both earthquakes came with severe aftershocks.

According to a recent update by the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) at least 1.762 people lost their lives, 12.068 were injured, and 5.606 buildings collapsed. Especially Hatay, Gaziantep, and Maraş have been badly hit by the earthquakes.

While rescue efforts continue to rescue hundreds of people still trapped under debris, severe weather conditions make the rescue operations even more difficult. Both for the rescuers and those who had to leave their homes and stay out.

It is nowhere higher than 7⁰C in Maraş and surrounding provinces. The weather forecasts for the provinces affected by the earthquake foresee snow, rain, and temperatures going down to -5⁰C in the coming three days.

AFAD reminded again not to enter structures that have been damaged and to leave roads empty for transportation services, rescue teams, and emergency aid vehicles. (WM)