Earthquake in Turkey and Syria: Death toll exceeds 22,300

ANKARA, Feb.11: Relief and rescue operations are continuing in Turkey and Syria after the earthquake that occurred five days ago. Relief agencies from around the world are involved in relief efforts in both countries. The injured are being treated at the hospital. However, the number of deaths is constantly increasing.

So far, the death toll in the earthquake has exceeded 22,300. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad visited the earthquake-affected areas. Erdogan has admitted that the government has not given the expected speed to the relief work after Monday's earthquake.

On the other hand, the UN relief which went to the earthquake victims in Syria has reached the crossing point of Turkey. But relief workers are disappointed due to the late arrival of relief materials. The White Helmets, a Syrian civil defense organization, said the situation in Syria was "very catastrophic".

Rescue workers from both countries are doing their best to find people trapped in the rubble. However, now the hope of living in it is decreasing. However, some miracles are happening. For example, six people buried in a five-story building in Turkey's southern Hatay province have been pulled out alive.