Türkiye's earthquake death toll climbs to 42,310

Photo: AA

The death toll following the February earthquakes in Maraş has reached 42,310, the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) announced today (February 21).

The 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes affected 10 provinces in Türkiye's south and southeast, as well as northern parts of Syria.

More than 448,000 people have been evacuated from the region so far, while over 301,000 tents and 6,375 container houses have been set up in the region, according to the AFAD.

Over 240,000 personnel from various state agencies, including soldiers and police officers, are working in the region, in addition to 14,740 search and rescue personnel, the agency said.

The death toll is expected to increae further as more than 100,000 buildings in the region were completely destroyed or severely damaged by the earthquake, according to Environment and Urbanization Ministry. 

Earlier in the day, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said nearly 450,000 buildings in the region would be demolished as part of rebuilding efforts. (VK)