The latest reports showed that the death toll increased to 16,000 after a 7.8 magnitude devastating earthquake struck Syria and Turkey. The challenging cold conditions and heavy snow raised concerns over the impact on rescue operations in affected regions.
The powerful earthquake shocked the world after thousands of buildings collapsed, and reports noted that most victims were still trapped under the building rubbles.
Challenging cold, damaged roads and rescue operations
Collapsed buildings in Kahramanmaras, on February 7, 2023
Collapsed buildings in Kahramanmaras, on February 7, 2023
AccuWeather's latest reports show that about 62,000 were injured, and the death toll reached 16,000.
As the rescue efforts continued, AccuWeather's report explained that the cold could affect the earthquake recovery efforts in Turkey and Syria.
The weather forecast explained that portions of Ankara and Kayseri could notice freezing temperatures.
On the other hand, the World Health Organization and UNICEF explained that humanitarian emergency assistance is deployed to help the affected communities.
Meanwhile, UNICEF raised concerns over the below-freezing temperatures after many homes were heavily destroyed. The report noted that about 5,600 buildings collapsed or were damaged in Turkey.
In Turkey, CNN reported that hotels in Antalya would offer shelter for the earthquake survivors. The reports noted that 53, 317 rescuers were deployed in the affected regions.
Associated Press (AP) added that about 380,000 people were in the government shelters.
About 54,000 tents have been installed to help the victims and survivors.
It is expected that the cold will stay until early next week. The extreme cold and damaged roads are additional challenges for rescuers.
Furthermore, the damaged roads added more problems for the rescue and delivery of assistance in the two countries.
The situations became more challenging as many hospitals received an influx of survivors.
In Turkey, CNN reported that the country declared a 3-month emergency in about 10 provinces impacted by the powerful earthquake.
Voices of survivors trapped under collapsed buildings
BBC World News reported that Aleppo and parts of Northern Syria were heavily impacted.
The report explained that the civil war displaced millions of Syrians. The recent earthquake added more burden for many Syrians.
Reports showed that about 1,600 were casualties.Rescue operations have been ongoing to find more survivors.
The White Helmet, a rescue group in Syria, explained that families were still trapped under the rubble as they heard survivors' voices seeking help.
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The report added that no one could rescue the survivors trapped under collapsed buildings, noting that they had no machinery to lift the heavy debris.
Global communities and commitment
The United Nations and European pledged to support the affected countries. International communities offered assistance with rescue operations.
Additional rescuers, rescue dogs, disaster relief and experts were deployed for the disaster-relief efforts in Syria and Turkey.
Meanwhile, UNICEF added that schools, hospitals and businesses were destroyed in Syria and Turkey.
UNICEF explained that children and their families are vulnerable after the earthquake.
Related Article: Deadly Earthquake Updates in Syria, Turkey: Death Toll Reaches 7,000; 5,600 Buildings Collapse, Rescue Operations Ongoing
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