Turkey-Syria earthquake: Death toll hits 7,200 as Erdogan declares emergency

The total death toll from the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck on Monday morning in the state of Kahramanmaras in southern Turkey and northern Syria has risen to 7,216, while 35,527 were injured as of Tuesday.

In Turkey alone, the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) announced that the death toll from the earthquake had risen to 5,434, and the injured to 31,777.

The Turkish authorities announced a large jump in the death toll, after it recorded 4,544, dead earlier in the day.

The number of injuries in Turkey jumped from 26,725, to 31,777 over the past few hours.

Turkish authorities raised the alert to the fourth level, which includes a request for international assistance, while the emergency department warned of the presence of dangerous seismic activity in the region, and 312 aftershocks occurred in the aftermath of the earthquake.

3,294 personnel from 70 countries were said to have been sent to help in the search and rescue operation.

Together with the Turkish rescuers, 13,740 people have already been assigned to work in the disaster area.

They are using 629 cranes and 360 vehicles, BBC said.

The disaster agency further confirmed that an air bridge has been established, and 146 aid-delivering sorties have already been made. In total, 300,000 blankets and 41,504 family tents have been delivered, along with heaters and kitchen sets.

Syria death toll

On the other hand, the number of earthquake victims throughout Syria rose to 1,782 dead and 3,750 injured in the governorates of Aleppo, Lattakia, Hama, Idlib and Tartus, in an indefinite toll.

Turkish President declares 3-month emergency in provinces hit by massive quakes

Turkish President Erdogan on Tuesday declared 3-month state of emergency in 10 provinces hit by massive earthquakes.

Turkish flags fly at half-staff throughout the nation as well as at its diplomatic missions overseas as the country observes seven day of national mourning.

The Star