Istanbul, Turkey – A strong earthquake struck eastern Turkey on Friday, killing at least 1300 people and injuring more than 1”thousands others, according to authorities. The quake, which had a magnitude of 6.8, was felt in several cities across the country and in neighboring Syria, where at least four people were reported dead and several others injured.
Buildings in the affected area have been severely damaged, with many collapsing and trapping people inside. Emergency crews are working around the clock to search for survivors, and several hospitals have been set up to treat the injured.
The exact cause of the earthquake is not yet known, but it is believed to have been caused by the movement of tectonic plates in the Earth’s crust. The region has a history of strong earthquakes and is part of a seismic belt that runs through the eastern Mediterranean and into Iran.
The Turkish government has declared a state of emergency in the affected provinces and has deployed hundreds of rescue workers and medical personnel to the area. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also cancelled his planned overseas trip to visit the affected areas and oversee the relief efforts.
This latest disaster is a reminder of the importance of preparedness for natural disasters, as well as the need for proper building codes and standards to ensure the safety of residents. Officials are urging residents in the area to be vigilant and to follow instructions from the authorities.
The thoughts and condolences of the international community are with the families of the victims and the people of Turkey and Syria affected by this devastating event.
India has also extended its support to Turkey and Syria in the wake of the devastating earthquake. The Indian government has sent a team of experts from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to assist with the rescue and relief efforts. The NDRF team, equipped with state-of-the-art rescue equipment, will work closely with the local authorities to provide aid to those affected by the disaster. This gesture of solidarity reflects the strong bond of friendship between India and Turkey, and the commitment of both countries to support each other in times of need.