Death toll of major earthquake in Türkiye and Syria climbs over 2,000

Death toll of major earthquake in Türkiye and Syria climbs over 2,000

More than 2,000 people were killed on Monday and hundreds were injured in early counts as the number is expected to increase as a result of a devastating earthquake that struck Türkiye and Syria with a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter scale.

According to a first toll from the Syrian Ministry of Health, the death toll from the earthquake rose to about 771 deaths and 1,508 injuries in Latakia, Aleppo, Hama, and Tartous. More bodies are expected to be found.

At the same time, the Turkish Vice President announced that 1,014 people were killed, 2,323 were injured, and more than 1,700 buildings collapsed as a result of the earthquake, also in early counts.

A new 7.5-magnitude tremor struck southeastern  Türkiye this afternoon, according to the US Geological Survey, hours after the devastating earthquake, which occurred at a depth of about 17.9 kilometers and was also felt in Palestine, Lebanon, and Cyprus.

Source: News Websites