The number of victims of the earthquake in Turkey rose to 912 people, more than 5.3 thousand were injured, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced in a televised address on Monday.
"According to the latest data, the magnitude of the earthquake was 7.7. It is the largest natural disaster in Turkey since 1939. The death toll was 912 and 5,385 citizens were affected. 2,818 buildings were destroyed," said the president.
The Turkish leader pointed out that at the moment "it is not clear how the number of deaths and casualties may increase" as "rescue work in all regions is still ongoing."
"2,470 people have been rescued from under the rubble. The government, all agencies have been fully mobilized immediately after the earthquake. Ten additional governors from other regions have been transferred to the 10 provinces affected by the earthquake to assist and coordinate [with local leadership]. Nine thousand people are involved in search and rescue operations," Erdogan said.
The number of participants in rubble cleanup and elimination of the consequences is constantly growing thanks to residents from neighboring regions, the president said.
He added that Turkey had received offers from 45 countries. "We are receiving offers of international assistance. In addition to NATO and the EU, we have received offers of help from 45 countries," the Turkish leader said, without specifying whether Turkey would accept the offered help.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS