According to CNN, as of February 12, the death toll from the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria has surpassed 36 000. Specifically, CNN cited reports from the Syrian opposition that as of February 12, the number of confirmed deaths in the country was 4574. This number includes more than 3160 people in opposition-controlled areas of the country. In northwest Syria, 1414 in government-controlled areas, according to the official SANA news agency.
In Turkey, as of Feb. 12, at least 29,605 people have been killed in the double earthquake that hit the country last week, according to the official Anadolu Agency news agency.
According to the Turkish Disaster and Relief Administration (AFAD), more than 233,000 search and rescue personnel are currently working at the scene. Turkish Foreign Ministry data shows that 9,369 foreign aid workers have been sent to the disaster area and nearly 148,000 people have been evacuated from the affected areas.
More than 2,500 personnel and 384 vehicles have been deployed to the area to support psychological support services, according to AFAD.
Meanwhile, security conditions in the earthquake zone are deteriorating further, according to residents and aid workers. Many businesses and homes have been looted.
In a central district of the southern Turkish city of Antakya, shopkeepers have emptied their stores to avoid theft of goods. Faced with this situation, President Tayyip Erdogan declared that his government would resolutely tackle the looting.
Info Source : CNN, Reuters
Turkey and Syria Quake : Death toll crosses 36 000
