Death Toll In Turkey-Syria Earthquake Hits 1,800

 The death toll in the devastating earthquake that hit southeast Turkey and also caused damage in Northern Syria, has hit 1,800 with several people injured, reports said.

The magnitude 7.5 earthquake followed a devastating 7.8 earthquake in southeast Turkey, also causing damage in northern Syria.

At least 1,014 deaths were reported in Turkey, while over 783 people died in Syria.

The US Geological Survey said the earthquake was centred about 33km (20 miles) from Gaziantep, a major city and provincial capital. It was about 18km (11 miles) deep, with a 7.5 quake hitting in the same region hours later amid several aftershocks.

Dozens of countries have pledged to aid in search and rescue operations.

US President President Joe Biden said he was “deeply saddened” by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria and has promised Washington’s assistance for the two countries.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Turkiye and Syria. I have directed my team to continue to closely monitor the situation in coordination with Turkiye and provide any and all needed assistance,” the president tweeted from his official account.

In the same vein, the Vatican said Pope Francis is “deeply saddened” by the major earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria.

“His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the huge loss of life caused by the earthquake… he sends the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all those affected,” Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, said in a statement.

Meanwhile the United Kingdom said it will send search and rescue specialists and an emergency medical team to Turkey.

The British foreign ministry said 76 search and rescue specialists will arrive in Turkey on Monday evening along with four search dogs and rescue equipment.

“We stand ready to provide further support as needed,” James Cleverly, the UK’s foreign secretary, said in a statement.