The death toll in the earthquake in Turkey and Syria is 41,000
Nine more people were rescued alive from the rubble on Tuesday (February 14th), more than a week after a devastating earthquake struck Turkey. Relief efforts are now focusing on helping people struggling with extreme cold and lack of shelter and adequate food. The death toll from the earthquake that struck Turkey and neighboring Syria has exceeded 41,000.
Near-freezing temperatures left many homeless in devastated cities in both countries. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan admitted in an initial response to the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck in the early hours of February 6 that there were flaws in the response. But he said, the situation is now under control.
In a televised speech in Ankara, Erdoğan said, "We are facing the biggest natural disaster not only in our country, but in the history of human civilization."
More than 200 hours after a few survivors were pulled from the rubble, a rescuer said more people may still be alive. But the UN authorities said that the rescue operation is coming to an end. The emphasis is now on providing shelter and food assistance.
Hans-Henry P. Kluge, director of WHO Europe, said the need for emergency aid is increasing every hour. About 26 million people in both countries are in need of humanitarian assistance.
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