A massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Turkey and Syria on Friday, causing widespread destruction and killing thousands of people. The quake, which was felt across much of the region, struck at around 10:41 p.m. local time and was centered near the city of Sivrice in Turkey’s Elazig province.
According to reports from the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), the earthquake caused buildings to collapse in several cities and towns, trapping people inside. Teams of rescuers, including firefighters, medical personnel, and search-and-rescue dogs, have been working around the clock to locate and rescue survivors.
As of Saturday morning, the death toll from the earthquake stood at over 3,000, with over 10,000 people reported injured. Many of the injured are in critical condition and are in need of immediate medical attention. The number of casualties is expected to rise as rescue teams continue their search for survivors.
The earthquake was felt across much of eastern Turkey and Syria, causing widespread panic and fear. In some cities, residents fled their homes in panic, while others reported that buildings swayed and objects fell from shelves. Power outages and communication disruptions have made it difficult to assess the full extent of the damage, but early reports suggest that entire neighborhoods have been destroyed.
The Turkish government has declared a state of emergency in the affected area and has mobilized all available resources to respond to the disaster. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed his condolences to those affected by the earthquake and has pledged the full support of the government in relief and recovery efforts. The Turkish military has been deployed to assist with rescue and recovery efforts, and AFAD has set up emergency shelters for those affected by the quake.
In Syria, the earthquake has compounded the already dire humanitarian situation in the country. The quake struck at a time when much of the country is still struggling to recover from the effects of a decade-long conflict, and many areas are still in ruins. The Syrian government has declared a state of emergency and has called for international assistance to help with relief and recovery efforts.
The earthquake is one of the strongest to strike the region in recent history, and its impact is expected to be felt for months to come. The international community is rallying to support Turkey and Syria in their time of need, with many countries and organizations offering assistance and aid.
This is a developing story, and more information will be provided as it becomes available. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this devastating earthquake.
