ISTANBUL: The death toll in Turkey from earthquakes in its southeast rose to 12,391 by Thursday morning, the Disaster Management Authority (AFAD) said. The number of those injured rose to 62,914, the AFAD said in a statement, while search and rescue operations continued.
In Syria, Civil Defence group continued search operations through the night in rebel-held parts of Syria as the rescue effort neared the 72-hour mark that disaster experts consider the most likely period to save lives.
Meanwhile, access to Twitter in Turkey is being restored after users reported being unable to access the social media site following Monday’s deadly earthquake.
“The restoration comes after authorities held a meeting with Twitter to ‘remind Twitter of its obligations’ on content takedowns and disinformation, ” NetBlocks a network monitoring firm tweeted.
Earlier today, the sixth plane from India carrying rescue personnel, essentials and medical equipment for earthquake relief efforts have reached Turkey. In continuing efforts to provide relief to the quake hit nation, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and Vice President William Lai will each donate a month’s salary, the presidential office said on Thursday, adding to existing aid already sent by the island.