Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria: Death Toll Passes 21,000

Death Toll: More than 21,000 people have been killed by the earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria. At least 17,674 people have died in Turkey, a figure that surpasses the death toll from a traumatic 1999 earthquake in the country. In Syria, authorities reported 3,377 deaths.

International Aid to Syria: A United Nations aid convoy entered rebel-held northwest Syria for the first time since the earthquakes. But for many, the help is insufficient and has come too late. The region is under a blockade by the Assad government.

Rescue Efforts: Hopes began to fade in the search for survivors on the fourth day after the quakes, as the window to survive has begun to close. Relatives of those trapped under rubble have waited days for aid to arrive, in some cases watching helplessly as cries for help fell silent.

Response: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged to rebuild every home destroyed within a year and said his government would begin to implement state of emergency powers last used after a failed coup in 2016.

The death toll from the Turkey-Syria earthquakes has passed 21,000. At least 17,674 people have been killed in Turkey, according to Vice President Fuat Oktay, while at least 3,377 are known to have died in Syria. The World Bank has promised $1.78bn to Turkey in relief and recovery assistance.
UN chief Antonio Guterres is calling on the international community to provide more money for earthquake relief and announces a donor conference for next week. The first United Nations aid convoy has reached opposition-held northwest Syria from Turkey. The crossing is the only way UN assistance can reach civilians without going through areas controlled by the Syrian government.

Source: Reuters

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