A 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and Syria early on Monday morning, killing over 100 people and causing widespread damage to buildings as many slept in their homes
Emergency services in Turkey put the death toll at 76, but warned this may very likely rise further as several apartment blocks have been utterly flattened.
In Syria, at least 50 people were killed in government-controlled and pro-Turkish factions-held areas. The earthquake was one of the most powerful to hit the region in well over a century, affecting southeastern Turkey, which is home to millions of refugees from Syria and other war-torn areas.
The disaster is expected to put pressure on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to ensure an effective response to the disaster ahead of a closely-contested election in May. The earthquake caused buildings to crumble in cities across southern Turkey and neighbouring Syria.
Rescuers are working to reach survivors trapped under the rubble, with some of the rescue efforts being hampered by the lack of proper equipment.
The earthquake also prompted Turkish officials to check the region’s dams for cracks to avoid potential flooding. Turkey is located in one of the world’s most active earthquake zones, with experts warning continuously of the potential for a devastating earthquake in Istanbul.
#MaltaDaily