Istanbul | Thousands are underground following earthquakes in southeastern Turkey and northern Syria. The death toll has crossed 11,000. 8,574 people died in Turkey alone. 2,530 deaths have been confirmed in Syria.
Rescuers say they are trying to save the lives of those trapped in the rubble. Efforts are ongoing to prepare food, water and weather protection systems for the thousands who have escaped. Thousands are homeless.
In addition to around 9,000 soldiers, more than 12,000 rescue workers are on the scene. Various countries and voluntary organizations have offered relief aid, but the weather has prevented them from reaching the affected areas.
However, officials of the White Helmets, a voluntary organization active in the field of rescue operations in Syria, said that they have not received any help yet. They say that only a 20-member group from Egypt is there to help. Syria has sought help from the European Union. The ongoing civil conflict in Syria has also affected rescue efforts.
About 250 schools were destroyed in Syria. The country’s official news agency reported, quoting the health minister, that the most damaged areas were in Halab, Idlib, Twartwuz and Ladkhaya. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid a visit to Kaharmanmaras, Turkey, which was heavily damaged.