9th February, 2023
The death toll from the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria has surpassed 15,000, with at least 12,873 people killed in Turkey and 2,950 killed in Syria.
Officials say the chances of finding survivors are dwindling, and residents in southeastern Turkey and northwestern Syria are criticising what they call slow search and rescue efforts.
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan admitted “shortcomings” in his government’s response, while touring some of the worst-affected areas in southern Turkey.
Two days after a series of earthquakes struck southern Turkey, relief efforts have yet to reach some areas of the country.
The province of Hatay, which is home to approximately 500,000 Syrian refugees, has been particularly hard hit, with rescue teams overwhelmed by the level of destruction.
Aid has been delayed due to significant damage to roads and the civilian airport near Antakya, the provincial capital.
AFP