Over 4,300 Dead In Turkey, Syria Quake With Numbers Expected To Rise

 

The confirmed death toll across Turkey and Syria due to the devastating earthquake has increased to more than 4,300, with numbers expected to rise.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that numbers could increase in the future. The death toll from a strong earthquake could rise eight-fold, with World Health Organisation officials estimating that up to 20,000 people may have died.

The number of dead and injured in both Turkey and Syria has increased rapidly since the first earthquake struck early on Monday morning.

According to Turkish and Syrian disaster response teams, over 5,600 buildings have been destroyed across several cities due to the earthquake.

As of Tuesday morning, the death toll in Turkey stood at 2,921, bringing the confirmed tally to 4,365. In Syria, the death toll increased to 1,451, according to the BBC. According to Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), at least 15,834 have been injured due to the quake.

Reportedly, around 14,720 people are currently providing assistance in the disaster zone in Turkey. Many aftershocks are still being felt across Turkey.

The powerful 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey's southern province of Kahramanmaras on Monday morning, followed by several aftershocks. A 6.4-magnitude temblor was felt in the Gaziantep province. Reportedly, more than 60 aftershocks were recorded throughout the day.

Reportedly, search and rescue operations are still continuing in the two countries. The Turkish city of Osmaniye has been left without power in the aftermath of the devastation. Three airports have also been damaged in Turkey due to the earthquake.

Dozens of nations, including India, the United States, Russia, Ukraine and New Zealand have vowed to send help to these two countries. The US, the European Union and Russia also sent condolences to Turkey and Syria.