Earthquake wreaks havoc in Turkey, Syria, 560 deaths so far

The earthquake in Turkey and Syria wreaked havoc on hundreds of people. Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Agency has informed that at least 76 people have died in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake. At the same time, 440 people have been injured. In this context, the total death toll including Turkey and Syria has crossed 550. It is feared that the number may increase further.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), 18 aftershocks were recorded after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake. Their intensity was more than 4. The intensity of the tremors of 7 major earthquakes that occurred after the first earthquake was more than 5. Experts say that aftershocks will be felt for the next few hours and days.

There was heavy destruction in 10 cities including Nurdagi city. There is news of more than 1,710 building collapses. Many people are buried under the debris. Rescue operation is going on to save people. Emergency has been imposed in many areas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the incident. He said that India stands with Turkey. He also assured of all possible help. PM Modi said in Bengaluru, ‘At this time we all have our eyes on the earthquake in Turkey. There are reports of several deaths and considerable damage. There is also a possibility of damage in the countries around Turkey. India is ready for all possible help to the earthquake victims.’

The Syrian Ministry of Health has informed that at least 237 people have died in government-controlled areas. It was reported that more than 600 people were injured in Aleppo, Latakia, Hama and Tartus. Turkish officials have reported that at least 284 people have died. The US Geological Survey has expressed apprehension that the death toll in Turkey and Syria could cross one thousand. USGS reasoned behind this that in 1939 there was a 7.8 magnitude earthquake. Then 30 thousand people died. At the same time, in 1999 there was an earthquake of 7.2 magnitude, when 845 people lost their lives.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan informed that search and rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the quake-hit areas. “We are hopeful that we will come out of this disaster at the earliest together with the least damage,” he said. In the year 1999, 18,000 people died in the earthquake in northwest Turkey.