Death toll in Turkey-Syria earthquake surpasses 25,000: Officials

CAIRO – 11 February 2023: Death toll in the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Monday has risen to 25,000, officials said.

This comes amid concerns of a health crisis in the two countries as the number of confirmed deaths continues to rise with the earthquake flattening buildings and leaving many people under the rubble.

In statements, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday’s quake was three times stronger than the disastrous Marmara earthquake in Turkey in 1999.

Many countries, including Egypt, have provided assistance to Turkey and Syria to help both countries face the health implications of the deadly quake.

Five military planes loaded with “large quantities” of medicine and medical supplies provided by the Egyptian Ministry of Health arrived in Turkey and Syria shortly following the quake.

Egypt’s Abdel Fattah El-Sisi extended condolences on Tuesday to each of Erdogan and Syrian President Bashar El-Asad, affirming Egypt’s readiness to provide support to the peoples of both countries.