Thursday, 9 February 2023

Breaking Turkey-Syria earthquake: More than 15,000 confirmed dead - as frustrated Turks criticise Erdogan

                            

Turkey's president has admitted there have been "shortcomings" in his country's reaction to the devastating earthquake that has killed over 15,000 people.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan is facing growing criticism from families left frustrated by a slow response from rescue teams, as hope dwindles that more survivors will be found.  

At least 15,865 people across Turkey and Syria are now known to have lost their lives - 12,873 of whom were in Turkey.

Many Turks have complained of a lack of equipment, expertise and support to help those who are trapped - leaving them helpless as they hear cries from under the rubble.

During a visit to Hatay province, where more than 3,300 people have died and entire neighbourhoods have been destroyed, Erdogan said: "It is not possible to be prepared for such a disaster. We will not leave any of our citizens uncared for."

Similar issues are being reported in neighbouring Syria, with the country's UN ambassador conceding the government has a "lack of capabilities and a lack of equipment".

Across Turkey and Syria, many of those in areas hardest hit by the 7.8 magnitude quake - and subsequent aftershocks - are afraid of going back into buildings.

"We survived the earthquake, but we will die here due to hunger and cold," one man in the Turkish city of Antakya said.

Some survivors are still being found - with footage showing a young girl in pyjamas and an older man holding an unlit cigarette between his fingers being lifted from debris.

Chances of survival are diminishing

According to experts, the survival window for those trapped is now closing rapidly - but nonetheless, it is too early to abandon all hope.

Natural hazards expert Steven Godby said: "The survival ratio on average within 24 hours is 74%, after 72 hours it is 22% and by the fifth day it is 6%."

And David Alexander, a professor of emergency planning and management at University College London, said: "Statistically, today is the day when we're going to stop finding people. That doesn't mean we should stop searching."

He went on to warn that the final number of fatalities may not be known for many weeks because of the sheer amount of rubble spanning Turkey and Syria.

-Sky news

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