50,000 buildings face demolition after deadly Türkiye quake

More spectacular rescues are made on day ten after the catastrophic earthquakes that hit southeastern Türkiye and northern Syria. 

A girl and three youngsters had been pulled alive from underneath the particles by search and rescue groups in hard-hit Türkiye’s Hatay province.

According to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, greater than 35,000 individuals have died on account of final week’s quake, making it the deadliest of such disasters in Türkiye for the reason that founding of the republic 100 years in the past.

The 35,418 reported deaths surpassed these recorded from the huge Erzincan earthquake in 1939 which killed round 33,000 individuals.

In neighbouring Syria, the variety of deaths reached 5,814, in accordance with the newest studies, bringing the overall dying toll from each nations to over 41,232. 

Here is how one can assist the earthquake victims.

Following are the newest updates:

1930 GMT — Turkish TV channels elevate billions for quake victims

Eight Turkish tv channels have initiated an support drive to assist the survivors of final week’s devastating earthquakes that hit 10 Turkish provinces affecting tens of millions of individuals.

The channels ATV, FOX, Kanal D, Kanal 7, Show TV, Star TV, TRT 1 and TV8 had been working a reside joint broadcast on Wednesday for the help marketing campaign known as “Türkiye beats with one heart.”

The marketing campaign managed to generate greater than $5.4 billion (101 billion Turkish liras) as of 1930GMT.

1910 GMT — US prime diplomat to go to Türkiye

US prime diplomat to go to Türkiye starting February 19 to view US efforts to assist Turkish response to lethal earthquakes, will meet Turkish counterpart in Ankara. 

1825 GMT — Libya dispatches tonnes of medical provides to quake victims in Türkiye

Turkish Ambassador in Tripoli Kenan Yilmaz stated that the Libyan support has exceeded 15 tons of medical provides.

“Medical devices, hospital beds, generators, blankets and heaters were sent to the quake victims as part of the Libyan aid,” Yilmaz stated.

Jibril Al Shteiwi, the director of the Libyan defence minister’s workplace, stated an air bridge has been launched upon orders from Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh for the quake victims in Türkiye and Syria.

“Four planes loaded with aid have already been sent to Türkiye and Syria,” he stated, including {that a} fifth support airplane can be being ready to be dispatched.

1820  GMT — UK unveils new support package deal for Türkiye, Syria

“$30 million new overseas aid will fund additional emergency relief, such as tents and blankets for families made homeless in freezing conditions,” a UK authorities assertion stated.

The package deal will assist the work of the UN and support businesses on the bottom in Syria, in addition to the restoration effort in Türkiye led by the federal government, it stated.

There might be a specific deal with defending ladies and ladies, together with by serving to with childbirth and midwifery, learn the assertion.

1745 GMT — Romanian philanthropist serving to arrange container metropolis: Turkish envoy

This is a part of the expansive efforts made in Romania for Turkish individuals affected by this tragedy, stated Ozgur Kivanc Altan, Ankara’s ambassador to Bucharest.

Romania instantly despatched a group of greater than 110 individuals and 4 search and rescue canines to Türkiye, he advised reporters at an support assortment centre in Bucharest.

“Some 2,000 tents and 8,000 beds from RescEU were delivered to Türkiye on trains provided by Romania, as were approximately 5,000 tents and 15,000 sleepers given by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees,” the Turkish envoy stated.

Altan stated Romanian rescuers helped save many individuals trapped underneath collapsed buildings.

1700 GMT — Over 2,400 quake victims handled at Indian subject hospital in Türkiye’s Hatay

A complete of 99 well being employees, together with 13 medical doctors, are working on the facility in Iskenderun district, which additionally has X-ray and laboratory providers.

The group from India landed in Adana a day after the earthquakes after which drove to Iskenderun, in accordance with Lt. Col. Yaduvir Singh, head of the sector hospital.

“Turkish people have been very helpful. We are getting a lot of support from the Turkish government, as well as the people. All the doctors, as well as interpreters and nurses, have been very helpful and they are volunteering to help us,” he stated.

The Indian group has been overwhelmed by the “very warm response,” he added.

“People actually love us. It has been a very brotherly feeling, so it was really emotional,” stated Singh.

1646 GMT — UAE subject hospital therapeutic earthquake victims’ wounds in Türkiye

The hospital, which started working 4 days after the dual earthquakes, employs 50 personnel with 15 medical doctors.

It has a 50-bed capability with an working room, emergency, intensive care, psychology, and household physician sections.

“We are here to help our brothers and sisters who were affected by the devastating effect in the earthquake region. I offer my condolences to the families of the lost. We came here with a very large-capacity hospital that can help the earthquake victims medically. And we’re going to help people,” stated Director Brig. Gen. Sarhan Al Neyadi.

“Doctors from Turkish hospitals also came here, we are working as a team in coordination with them. We continue to work as a single body. Our emergency also provides 24/7 service.”

1621 GMT — ‘Your ache is our ache,’ says Bosnian rescuer in quake-hit Türkiye

Rescuer Fahrudin Dobraca stated his group pulled 10 individuals alive from the rubble of collapsed buildings in Hatay province and recovered 27 our bodies.

Underlining that they did their finest throughout the rescue operation within the area, Dobraca stated: “Your pain is our pain, we share it, and I don’t know what else to say.”

He stated his group consists of 20 individuals they usually received coaching on search and rescue operations in liaison with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) and Istanbul-based Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) for six years within the Bosnian capital Sarajevo.

1617 GMT — Azerbaijan opens 1st subject hospital for quake victims in Türkiye’s Kahramanmaras

Azerbaijan established the primary of two subject hospitals in Türkiye’s Kahramanmaras area, the epicentre of the dual quakes. 

“Our hospital has four departments. After admission and initial examination, the patient is sent to the relevant department,” Gurban Eyvazov, the top of the 10-bed facility, stated.

The hospital has a laboratory, in addition to a neighborhood anaesthesia and surgical procedure division, he stated.

“We will build another hospital. There will be separate departments for orthopaedics, paediatrics, and general surgery,” Eyvazov stated.

“We will stand by our brother Türkiye until our duty is done. We are one nation. You have always helped us in difficult times. We are always ready to support you and we will always be,” he added.

1607 GMT — Romanian rescue group tried its ‘finest’ to avoid wasting individuals in Türkiye: Team chief

A Romanian rescue group arrived in Türkiye on the identical day twin quakes struck the nation and tried to do its “best” to avoid wasting individuals, the chief of the group stated.

Bogdan Vladutoiu, the chief of RO-USAR famous that his group was deployed to Hatay on the request of Turkish nationwide civil safety authorities, Bogdan stated they managed to avoid wasting 5 individuals who had been trapped underneath the rubble.

Unfortunately, he stated, his group additionally retrieved some individuals who had been unable to outlive.

1545 GMT — South Korean volleyball star’s aid drive collects practically $400,000 for Türkiye, Syria 

Former Fenerbahce and Eczacibasi VitrA exterior hitter Yeon Koung Kim, 34, stated she raised 500 million received, or $388,266 in South Korea to assist the victims of the devastating earthquakes.

1540 GMT — Elazig turns into eleventh province affected by earthquakes: spokesperson

Elazig might be counted as a catastrophe space turning into the eleventh province that has been affected by the earthquakes, AK Party spokesperson Omer Celik stated. The choice has been taken on the directives of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he added.

1535 GMT — French subject hospital opens in Türkiye’s quake-hit Adiyaman

Set up within the Golbasi district, the power has the capability of treating 100 sufferers per day.

The hospital will stay operational for no less than 15 days, in accordance with Herve Magro, the French ambassador to Türkiye.

“We will stay for as long as Turkish authorities want,” he stated.

The hospital has two working rooms and a labour room with a employees of 15 medical doctors and 25 nurses, in accordance with Isabella Arnaud, a surgeon.

1520 GMT — Bulgarian rescuers return with excessive reward for Turkish individuals, quake response

Turkish rescue groups and legislation enforcement personnel had been very useful and the logistical assist given by native businesses was invaluable, stated Behriye Bahri Tirmaz, who served because the translator within the 25-member group.

“Even those who had lost their homes brought us hot meals from field kitchens,” Tirmaz stated, stressing that she wouldn’t assume twice if requested to return.

“I wouldn’t even hesitate to take the plane and go now,” she asserted. 

Rosen Terziev, one other member of the group, described the destruction attributable to the dual quakes as “immeasurable.”

The group tried to its absolute best in coordination with the Turkish Disaster Management Agency (AFAD), he stated.

1505 GMT — More survivors rescued alive after over 228 hours

A 13-year-old-boy Mustafa was rescued alive from underneath the rubble in Hatay, some 229 hours after the earthquakes.

A mom, named Ela, and her two youngsters had been additionally rescued in Hatay after 228 hours.

They had been then taken to the closest hospital.

1500 GMT —Costa Rica’s international minister to go to Türkiye in wake of lethal quakes

Costa Rica’s Foreign and Worship Minister Arnoldo Andre Tinoco will go to Türkiye on Feb. 16 – 18 to precise solidarity within the wake of final week’s lethal earthquakes within the southern area.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Tinoco will meet on Thursday within the Turkish capital, Ankara, the place he’ll convey condolences.

1455 GMT — Rescuers defy odds, pull alive 42-year-old lady 9 days after Türkiye quakes

In a miraculous rescue, crews defied the chances and pulled alive a 42-year-old lady from the rubble of a collapsed constructing, 222 hours after the earthquakes.

Melike Imamoglu was saved within the Onikisubat district of Kahramanmaras province, the epicentre of the quakes.

She was referred to medical groups after the rescue operation.

1455 GMT — Very tough to organise assist after catastrophe as huge as Türkiye quakes, says French rescuer

“It is hard to know where to send the rescue teams,” Cyrille Chauveau, deputy chief of a French group deployed in Antakya, stated.

“We must organise fast and focus on the rescue operations. We must race against time during such vast disasters.”

Sending fast assist to each spot in such a giant catastrophe is “very difficult,” he emphasised.

Chauveau was a part of a 73-member group that arrived in Türkiye on Feb. 7, going first to Osmaniye earlier than transferring to Hatay on Feb. 9.

“When we got here, it felt like a bombed city in a war zone,” he stated.

“Turkish people have been very friendly toward us and showed their hospitality. Offering them our help has been an honour. We really felt their friendship,” he stated, reaffirming France’s assist for Türkiye and its individuals.

The group, nevertheless, regrets being unable to tug out anybody alive, he added.

1450 GMT — Kosovo joined search, rescue after Türkiye quake as ‘payback,’ says rescue group

Kosovo joined in rescue efforts after final week’s twin earthquakes in southern Türkiye as “payback” for Ankara’s previous assist to Pristina, the Balkan nation’s search and rescue company stated.

Ilir Gaxha, secretary of the Kosovo Search and Rescue Association, stated on the airport in Hatay province earlier than boarding a return flight again to his nation along with his group of six, after finishing their mission “successfully” within the earthquake zone the place they arrived on February 9.

While there, Gaxha stated his group had assisted in a rescue they usually saved the lifetime of a 3-year-old lady by offering first support.

On the rescue of the 3-year-old, Gaxha stated the lady was extracted by one other group and, assumed to be useless, was left on the sidewalk with the opposite corpses. Then, one of many Turkish troopers opened the physique bag to see the infant and he noticed that the little lady had tears in her eyes, he stated.

“We gave CPR for about 25 to 30 minutes until the Turkish ambulance came,” he stated. “And we were strong, doing this procedure all the time until we got her into the ambulance. And then we were very emotional about having that feeling.”

1445 GMT — Couple rescued after 202 hours underneath rubble in southern Türkiye

A pair was pulled from the rubble in a miracle rescue after staying 202 hours underneath the rubble following the dual quakes in southern Türkiye final week.

Muharrem and his spouse Hidayet Polat had been rescued in Kahramanmaras province after rescue groups heard their voices from underneath the rubble.

The couple was transferred to a close-by hospital for medical therapy.

Muharrem, who’s now underneath medical supervision, stated that two of their youngsters misplaced their lives underneath the rubble and that they tried onerous to maintain their 6-month-old child alive.

1345 GMT — Saudi Arabia sends new support planes to Türkiye, Syria

State news company SPA stated a airplane loaded with 90 tons of foodstuffs, medical and shelter provides headed to Gaziantep Airport in Türkiye.

The airplane was the eighth to have been despatched by Saudi Arabia to Türkiye for the reason that earthquake catastrophe.

Earlier Wednesday, a Saudi airplane carrying 35 tons of support arrived at Aleppo Airport in Syria, the second such support airplane to the quake-hit Arab nation.

1335 GMT — 74-year-old lady rescued alive from underneath rubble 227 hours after Türkiye quakes

A 74-year-old lady was rescued alive from underneath the rubble 227 hours after twin quakes hit Türkiye.

Cemile Kekec was rescued in Kahramanmaras province, the epicenter of the quakes.

Kekec was referred to the closest hospital.

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

1300 GMT — ‘First time in my life’: Russian rescue chief weighs in on scale of Türkiye quakes

Chupriyan Aleksandr, a senior Russian official who oversaw Moscow’s search and rescue operations within the southern provinces of Kahramanmaras and Hatay, stated that his nation suffered a big earthquake on the Sakhalin Islands within the early Nineteen Nineties however not on the dimensions of the 2 quakes that jolted Türkiye.

“But the scale like this, no … this is the first time in my life,” stated Aleksandr, first deputy minister of Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations.

He spoke at a closing ceremony of his unit of just about 200 personnel earlier than they flew house. 

1256 GMT — Saudi Arabia to determine 3,000 non permanent homes for quake victims in Türkiye, Syria

Saudi Arabia “is studying the construction of 3,000 temporary houses in quake-hit areas in Türkiye and Syria,” Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, head of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, advised Al Ekhbariya tv.

He stated the centre has already distributed hundreds of tents to shelter the quake victims within the two nations.

“We will proceed to assist these affected by the earthquake catastrophe in Syria and Türkiye for weeks and maybe months because of the nice scale of the tragedy,” Al Rabeeah stated.

1253 GMT — NATO chief to go to quake-hit Türkiye for solidarity

At a news convention following the two-day assembly of NATO defence ministers, alliance head Jens Stoltenberg stated he’ll maintain talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

During the go to, Stoltenberg intends to precise his solidarity, his condolences and proceed the discussions with the Turkish interlocutors on how NATO can present additional “relief support and alleviate the suffering and the consequences of the terrible earthquake.”

He stated he closed the defence ministers assembly by asking them to offer extra strategic airlift, in addition to to deliver extra tents and humanitarian support.

1249 GMT — Iraq to dispatch gas to Syria, Türkiye after earthquake catastrophe

Iraq will dispatch 60,000 tonnes of gas oil to neighbouring Syria following final week’s lethal earthquakes.

The Iraqi authorities additionally stated it should present Türkiye with 30,000 tons of gas oil in solidarity with Ankara.

In an announcement, the Iraqi authorities stated the help cargo might be delivered to the Syrian aspect by way of Al Mikhtaf space within the Iraqi territorial waters.

1127 GMT — 77-year-old lady saved after 226 hours

Life-saving groups within the epicentre of dual earthquakes-hit Kahramanmaras have rescued a 77-year-old lady 226 hours later from the catastrophe space. 

Search and rescue groups and bystanders chanted fortunately after Cemile Kekec was pulled out safely from the rubble, video circulation on social media confirmed. 

1047  GMT — Turkish president receives Malaysia’s premier after lethal quakes

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan obtained Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim within the capital Ankara for talks.

Erdogan and Ibrahim held a closed-door assembly on the presidential complicated, in accordance with the Turkish presidency.

The assembly got here after two robust earthquakes jolted southeastern Türkiye on February 6.

0953 GMT — UAE sends 60 aid planes to Türkiye, Syria since earthquakes

“The United Arab Emirates continued, for the 9th consecutive day, to send relief aid to those affected by the earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye,” the official WAM news company stated.

The company acknowledged that the planes “carried 1,375 tons of food and medical supplies and tents to shelter the affected people.”

As a part of the aid operation, the UAE has flown 30 cargo planes to Türkiye and 30 to Syria, bringing the overall variety of flights to 60 to date.

0940 GMT — Ukraine shares ache, tragedy of quake-hit Turkish individuals: Ukrainian rescue group chief

“Pain has no colour, race, or religion. We share the pain and tragedy of the Turkish people,” stated Konstantin Silayev, who heads a Ukrainian group of 77 rescuers and 10 search and rescue canines in Hatay, one of many 10 provinces hit worst by the earthquakes.

Nothing that his group educated for may have ready them for such a scenario, Silayev stated, including: “Unfortunately we had to use our skills not only in exercises but also in real events.”

“Very familiar frames. We saw collapsed buildings on the road and people stuck in the street,” he stated. “There is a similar picture in our country right now.”

0924 GMT — Bangladeshi rescue group continues working in Türkiye’s quake-hit area

“The government of Bangladesh sent a rescue team consisting of 46 members to conduct rescue operations and provide medical support in the quake-hit area. At present the team is working at (southeastern) Adiyaman province,” the Bangladeshi Embassy in Ankara stated in an announcement.

“Despite the challenges of the weather situation, the Bangladeshi rescue team remains fearless, working tirelessly day and night to bring comfort and hope to those in need in Adiyaman province,” it stated.

So far, the group rescued one particular person and pulled out 20 our bodies from the particles. The group is more likely to be redeployed to different areas quickly, it added.

0811 GMT — Over 50K buildings have to be destroyed: minister

Türkiye’s Environment, Urban Planning and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum stated 50,576 broken buildings “immediately” need to be demolished within the earthquake-hit areas. 

According to the harm evaluation findings, the federal government has inspected 387,346 buildings within the nation’s 10 provinces and 279,655 of them are evenly broken or non-damaged buildings, he acknowledged. 

“We will quickly demolish what needs to be demolished and build safe buildings,” the minister stated.

0747 GMT — Woman saved 222 hours after lethal quake

Turkish search and rescue groups have saved 42-year-old Melike Imamoglu from the rubble 222 hours after the February 6 catastrophe. 

The miracle rescue on the tenth day of the catastrophe on Wednesday occurred in Kahramanmaras, the epicentre of the 2 highly effective earthquakes that affected about 15 million individuals.

0735 GMT — Jordan’s international minister to go to Türkiye, Syria to point out solidarity after quake 

Jordan’s international minister Ayman Safadi might be heading to Türkiye and Syria on Wednesday in a “show of solidarity” after the quake that killed hundreds of individuals in each nations, an official supply stated.

Jordan, which neighbours Syria, has despatched massive shipments of support to each nations.

0642 GMT — Over 76 states despatched rescue groups to Türkiye: Ankara

Turkish Foreign Ministry has launched data on what number of international search and rescue groups and international personnel are happening in earthquake-hit areas in southeastern Türkiye.

According to the assertion 100 states provided to assist Türkiye whereas rescue groups from 76 nations are within the subject. A complete of seven,606 international personnel are concerned in search and rescue operations within the area. 

Türkiye additionally expects two extra states to ship their groups and 712 extra international personnel will be part of the rescue effort.

Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu introduced that 12 international rescue groups have accomplished their mission within the designated areas and have returned to their nations as of Wednesday.

0449 GMT — Poland to ship new batch of support provides to Türkiye

Poland will ship a brand new batch of support provides to quake-stricken Türkiye, Anadolu Agency reported on Wednesday.

Turkish Ambassador Cengiz Kamil Fırat advised Anadolu that Poland had dispatched a rescue group in addition to a subject hospital with medical gear, medical doctors and nurses to Türkiye.

“The rescue team served in the province of Adiyaman and rescued 12 of our citizens. We are truly grateful to them. All of the Polish teams will return tomorrow, and we would like to welcome them with banners and flags. We want to thank you,” he stated.

0446 GMT — UNICEF: Millions of youngsters affected by quakes

A complete of 4.6 million youngsters dwelling within the 10 provinces in Türkiye struck by the 2 earthquakes had been affected, whereas 2.5 million youngsters in Syria had been affected, in accordance with UNICEF spokesman James Elder.

Elder expressed concern that hundreds of youngsters could have misplaced their lives because of the earthquakes and underscored the necessity for extra assist for kids and their households.

Kenneth Crossley, Country Director and Representative for the World Food Program (WFP) in Syria, identified that there’s a triangle between Aleppo, Hama and Latakia that was severely affected by the earthquake, noting that not only one group however all individuals had been affected by the earthquakes. Food support was supplied to roughly 180,000 individuals in northwest Syria, he added.

To learn Tuesday’s newest updates, please click on right here

Source: TRTWorld and businesses