One thousand people have been killed in Turkey and Syria after an earthquake of magnitude hit both countries in the early hours of Monday morning. The US geological survey reported a second quake of magnitude 7.5.

PHOTO | COURTESY earth quake

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed the deaths of 912 people and that over 5300 people were injured, adding that rescue efforts were still underway. According to the Syrian state news agency SANA, 326 people have died, and over 1,000 were wounded, referencing the Ministry of Health.

A white helmet rescue group reported that over 221 people died and over 419 were injured in the earthquake. Reports from The US Geological Survey (USGS) indicate that an earthquake of magnitude 7.8 struck near the city of Gaziantep, which borders Syria. a second earthquake of magnitude 7.5 was in southeast Turkey at 13:24 local time.

Rescue workers in Syria and Turkey work tirelessly to rescue the residents stuck under the rubble of collapsed buildings. Heavy snowfall in the country is hampering rescue missions. Residents are volunteering to help the rescue team reach the survivors on time.

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Janez Lenarcic, EU's Crisis Commissioner, has confirmed that rescue teams travelled to Turkey to help with the rescue mission. World health organisation has expressed the need for a trauma centre. Speaking to a Reuters news agency, the WHO spokesperson said that National authorities would be focussing on search and rescue. Then, we can anticipate an increase in the demand for trauma care to treat the casualty and support the entire healthcare system in affected areas.

The head of Syria's National Earthquake Center says that this is the biggest earthquake they have recorded since its establishment. This region is one of the most active quake zones. World leaders have sent their condolences to both countries.



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