A 7.8-magnitude earthquake wreaked havoc in Turkey and Syria, the late-night earthquake did not give people a chance to escape, high-rise buildings became piles of rubble in moments, and a series of more than 50 aftershocks for several hours. Continued, the total number of deaths in the two countries has crossed 3613.
The death toll from the earthquake in Turkey has reached more than 2,316, while more than 13,000 people have been injured. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says that the death toll from the earthquake in Turkey cannot be estimated yet.
He said that so far 45 countries have offered help in the search and rescue operation, the biggest disaster since the earthquake in 1939.
On the other hand, the death toll in Syria has reached 1,297, while 1,500 people are injured.
Time of earthquake and its intensity
According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake struck at 4:17 a.m. local time when people were fast asleep.
According to the US Geological Survey, the magnitude of the earthquake was recorded as 7.9. The epicenter of the earthquake was in Nardagi area of Gazi Antap province, south of Turkey, while the depth of the earthquake was 17.9 km. The population of this province is about 2 million and this province is close to Syria, due to which there was a large scale destruction in Syria as well.
According to Turkish media, the strongest shocks of the earthquake were felt for a minute, people came out on the streets due to the shocks.
Earthquake tremors were also felt in Cyprus, Greece, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine.
The Turkish President declared a state of emergency in the country
Apart from this, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has declared a state of emergency after the terrible earthquake in the country.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan expressed good wishes for all citizens affected by the earthquake and said that he hopes to get out of this disaster as soon as possible and with minimal damage.
According to the Vice President of Turkey, civil flights have been suspended at Gazi Antap and Hatay Airports after the earthquake.
According to Turkish media, a fire broke out in a natural gas pipeline in the Turkish province of Hatay due to the earthquake. Natural gas supply has been stopped in Hatay as a precautionary measure.
The Turkish Disaster Management Agency says that more than 100 aftershocks have been felt since the earthquake, and at least 1,710 buildings have collapsed.
Turkish officials say that 2,786 aid teams are engaged in relief activities in the affected areas.
According to the Turkish media, 370 search and rescue experts are arriving in Turkey from Azerbaijan, while America, Russia, Ukraine, India, Pakistan and other countries have also offered to provide all possible assistance to Turkey.
After the earthquake in Turkey, schools across the country have been announced to be closed
After the earthquake in Turkey, it has been announced to keep schools closed across the country.
The Turkish Ministry of Education says that all schools across the country will remain closed until February 13.
A week of mourning has been declared in Turkey
The Turkish president has announced a week of mourning across the country, the flag will be at half-mast in Turkey for a week.
Earthquake also devastates Syria
According to the French news agency (AFP), the earthquake has also caused severe destruction in Syria, where hundreds of people have been killed and injured due to the collapse of buildings.
According to the Syrian authorities, the tremors of the earthquake were felt in the Syrian provinces of Hama, Aleppo and Latakia, the number of deaths from the earthquake in the government-controlled areas has reached 968 and more than 1,000 people have been injured.
On the other hand, according to the aid group working in Syria, 234 people died in the earthquake in the areas under the control of the rebels.
The President and Prime Minister of Pakistan express their grief over the damage caused by the earthquake
President Arif Alvi has expressed regret over the loss of precious lives due to the earthquake in Turkey and Syria and said that in the hour of sorrow, the people of Pakistan and my sympathies are with Turkey and Syria.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has expressed his condolences to the government and people of Turkey for the loss of precious lives.
The Prime Minister says that he is with the government and people of Turkey in difficult times, Pakistan will help its brother people and government in every possible way, Turkey has always supported Pakistan in every difficulty.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also telephoned Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and expressed regret over the devastation caused by the earthquake.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that he is extremely saddened by the loss of precious human lives, Pakistan is with its Turkish brother in this hour of trial, Pakistan will fully cooperate with the government and people of Turkey in dealing with the disaster of the earthquake.
