Ankara: The death toll from the earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria has exceeded 24,000. The search is on for the bodies trapped in the rubble. Meanwhile, teams from more countries are arriving in Syria for the rescue operation.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who visited Adiyaman Province, responded that the search could not be as effective as expected. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire in Syria to allow aid to arrive. The United Nations also reported that 5.3 million people have lost their homes in Syria. The Syrian government has said it has authorized the delivery of aid to rebel-held areas in the northwest.
The UAE has so far sent 27 aid flights to Turkey and Syria. The first UN rescue team arrived in Syria yesterday. The World Bank has also offered aid to Turkey. The World Health Organization estimates that the number of deaths will increase further.
Meanwhile, restaurant owners across Turkey are actively working to distribute hot meals to those affected. They distributed rice, kebabs and other food items on Friday in Hatay, one of the areas worst hit by the earthquake.