AFAD: 3,381 died, 20,426 injured in 10 cities

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The death toll is rising every hour in the 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes that hit the Pazarcık and Elbistan districts of Maraş in southern Türkiye yesterday (February 6).

The Disaster and Emergency Presidency (AFAD) announced that 3,381 people have lost their lives and 20,426 people were injured so far. 

Eleven thousand collapsed buildings reported 

AFAD also announced today that 5,775 buildings collapsed in the earthquakes centered in Maraş, and that the number of buildings reported by the people as having collapsed in the earthquakes, but not yet confirmed by the authorities was 11,302.

24,443 personnel are working in the earthquake-hit region, told Orhan Tatar, the Earthquake and Risk Management Manager of AFAD reporters. 

Tatar said that a region of 110 thousand square kilometers was affected which corresponds to one-seventh of the total surface area of Türkiye.  

285 aftershocks

Tatar also warned the citizens to keep out of the damaged buildings. The number of aftershocks so far was 285 and some of them had a magnitude of 5 or higher. Therefore the damaged buildings could collapse in the aftershocks. 

The severe weather conditions also continue in the region and some crews have difficulty reaching the region. Tatar also stated that 10 ships were appointed for carrying the injured to hospitals in other regions. 

The AFAD manager also reported on the number of air vehicles currently being used in the rescue and aid efforts. Accordingly, 54 air vehicles are being used and the helicopters have sortied 154 times transferring what the rescue teams need. 

65 countries offer support

Yunus Sezer of AFAD yesterday announced that 65 countries have asked to either send aid or support the rescue efforts. He added that the rescue teams arriving from foreign countries would also be sent to the area when they arrive.

All rescue teams are being sent to the area using the air corridor as much as the weather conditions allow for, the chair informed.

Sezer told that 65 thousand tents and over 300 thousand blankets had been sent to the earthquake-hit area.

Vice President Fuat Oktay announced yesterday that 7,840 people were saved in the rescue efforts. (SD/PE)