Over 4000 Dead in Türkiye-Syria Earthquake

The magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit Türkiye and Syria on Monday has now caused the death of over 4,000 individuals, with more still expected, according to separate statements from officials of both countries.

The earthquake, which the US Geological Survey (USGS) said is the strongest in more than 100 years, struck 23 km east of Nurdagi in the Gaziantep province of Türkiye and has flattened thousands of buildings, apartments, and essential infrastructure in both Syria and Türkiye

Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority said that the death toll has already reached over 2,900 individuals. 15,834 injuries have also been reported, the disaster agency added. Meanwhile in Syria, the national government said that the death toll now stands at over 1,500 and injuries over 3,500.

According to the USGS, more than 100 aftershocks have already been detected.

UNICEF expressed their concern with the looming housing crisis that the earthquake caused, saying that families are now exposed to below-freezing temperatures.

“Thousands of homes are likely to have been destroyed, displacing families and exposing them to the elements at a time of year when temperatures regularly drop below freezing and snow and freezing rain are common. Heavy snowstorms have also recently hit parts of Syria and Türkiye, with further sub-zero temperatures forecasted,” UNICEF said.

The earthquake now adds to the Syrian crisis, where 4 million individuals are already relying on humanitarian aid.

Multiple countries have announced sending quick response teams and assistance to both earthquake-ravaged countries. (GFB)