The death toll from earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria surpassed 25,000 as emergency workers continued the search for survivors, with rescues still being reported.
(Bloomberg) — The death toll from earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria surpassed 25,000 as emergency workers continued the search for survivors, with rescues still being reported.
Tens of thousands have been left without shelter after much of the quake zone was reduced to dust. Main opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu said there was a particular shortage of tents.Â
Key Developments
- Why Turkey’s Next Election Is a Real Test for Erdogan: QuickTake
- Turkish Anger Turns to Erdogan Over Quake Delays, Weak Buildings
- Quake Aid Is Political Pawn as Powers Clash Over Syria Access
- Turkish Opposition Targets Market Regulators After Stock Turmoil
- Turkey Wants Russian Green Light for Faster Aid Flow Into Syria
- Turkey’s Main Opposition Files Complaint Over Twitter Blackout
(All times Istanbul, GMT +3)
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Some 25,000 Turkish Soldiers Taking Part in Relief Efforts (11.30 a.m.)
Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said 25,067 military personnel were taking part in relief efforts. The Incirlik air base in Adana province has been opened to civilian transportation, he said.Â
Death Toll Tops 25,000 (10:46 a.m)
The number of dead in Turkey and Syria rose to 25,126 according to Turkish officials and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which uses a network of activists on the ground. Tens of thousands of people are still missing.
The death toll in Turkey exceeded that of the devastating 1999 earthquakes near Istanbul, when about 18,000 people died according to official figures.Â
The number of injured in Turkey is over 80,000, the country’s disaster management authority said.
Main Opposition Leader Calls For Tent Donations (10:18 a.m)
Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the leader of the main opposition CHP, said there was a shortage of tents for those displaced by the quakes, speaking in quake-hit Malatya province on Saturday.Â
He called on businesses with stocks of tents to come forward, promising to buy and distribute them.
Shoddy Material Detected in Some Collapsed Buildings (8:54 a.m.)
Turkish experts found low-quality material and rusty steel in collapsed buildings in Sanliurfa province following a probe by the Chief Prosecutor’s Office, NTV news channel reported.
Critics say poor construction and inadequate inspections during construction were among the factors that contributed to the massive devastation.Â
Miracle Survivor (5:48 a.m.)
After 122 hours, a 70-year-old woman was evacuated alive from the wreckage of an apartment building toppled by the earthquake in the southeastern Turkish city of Kahramanmaras, the state-run Anadolu news agency said.Â
Soldiers Patrol (5:30 a.m.)
Turkish soldiers have started patrolling streets where banks and jewelry shops are located in Hatay, one of the worst hit provinces, Fox TV reported.
Turkey Denies Damage to Dams (1:57 a.m.)
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Vahit Kirisci denied allegations that the Yarseli dam in the quake-stricken Hatay province was damaged, adding that he would inspect the dams in the area on Saturday.
One Million Survivors in Shelters (1:09 a.m.)
More than 1 million quake survivors have been moved into temporary shelters, Turkey’s Vice President Fuat Oktay said. Nearly 200,000 people have been evacuated from the quake zone to the west of the country, he said.
Credit-Card Payment Rules Eased (9:24 p.m.)
Turkish banking regulator BDDK said the minimum monthly credit-card payment ratio would be lowered to 20% for all affected in the quake zone. The ratio required to pay — based on credit card limit — was as high as 40% before the decision.
Banks will make their own decisions regarding cards closed to use over failure to pay the minimum amount required. They will be able to push back card payments, including the minimum amounts.
The decisions will be effective until Jan. 1, 2024.
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–With assistance from Beril Akman.
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