Turkey, Syria earthquake leaves over 6,200 dead, rescue ops continue
Hatay(Turkey)/IBNS: As rescue efforts are ongoing in Turkey and Syria, which have been devastated by three massive earthquakes, the toll has surpassed 6,200.
At least 20,426 people were injured after the devastating earthquakes, which destroyed 5,775 buildings, the Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority said Tuesday.
The 7.8-magnitude quake struck Monday as people slept, destroying thousands of structures, trapping an unknown number of people and potentially impacting millions.
It was followed by a 6.4 magnitude quake a few minutes later in the country's southern province of Gaziantep and another 7.6 magnitude earthquake at 1:24 p.m. local time (1024 GMT) in the Kahramanmaras Province.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday declared seven days of national mourning for the victims.
Dozens of nations like the United States, India, China and the Gulf States have started sending search teams and relief supplies to help the rescue ops in both countries.