Death toll climbs to 1300 in Turkey, Syria after deadly earthquake

A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake has hit Turkey and Syria killing more than 1, 300 people – with the toll expected to rise.

The quake, centred close to the southeastern city of Gaziantep, about 90km from the Syrian border, left a huge trail of destruction in both countries and was felt as far away as Cairo. It led Italy to issue a potential tsuanmi alert.

Condolences poured in from worldwide after the massive quake hit Turkey claiming numerous lives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and condoled the loss of life in the massive earthquake that rattled Turkey and nearby areas and claimed more than 100 lives.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Twitter that “search and rescue teams were immediately dispatched” to the areas hit by the quake.

Moreover, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also tweeted and expressed grief over the loss of lives in the tragic earthquake that jolted both Turkey and Syria.

“Deeply distressed by the loss of lives and damage in the earthquake in Turkiye,” he wrote on Twitter as he conveyed his support to his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu.

The US National Security Advisor also took to Twitter and assured Turkey of timely assistance for the quake-hit country to cope well. Videos circulating on social media showed multiple collapsed buildings in Turkey and Syria with terrified locals huddling on the streets.

Several provinces in Southern Turkey also reported the loss of lives. There were reports of destroyed buildings in Turkey and Syria, where tremors also were felt.

Multiple aftershocks followed the quake.