Death Toll Following Massive Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria Reaches 17,000

Death Toll Following Massive Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria Reaches 17,000

Death Toll Following Massive, Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria , Reaches 17,000.

On February 6, a series of massive earthquakes struck the border area between southeast Turkey and northwest Syria, causing widespread devastation.

'The Independent' reports that as rescue operations enter into their fourth day, the vast extent of the damage is becoming clear.

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'The Independent' reports that as rescue operations enter into their fourth day, the vast extent of the damage is becoming clear.

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A major 7.8 magnitude earthquake was followed by a 7.5 magnitude tremor and hundreds of other powerful aftershocks.

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The death toll keeps rising as search and rescue volunteers continue to uncover people trapped beneath rubble amid sub-zero temperatures.

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The death toll keeps rising as search and rescue volunteers continue to uncover people trapped beneath rubble amid sub-zero temperatures.

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On February 9, the death toll surpassed 17,000, while the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that it is likely to exceed 20,000.

On February 9, the death toll surpassed 17,000, while the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that it is likely to exceed 20,000.

'The Independent' reports that the earthquake was the largest to hit Turkey since 1999 and is the deadliest natural disaster since 2004's 9.1 magnitude Boxing Day Tsunami.

'The Independent' reports that the earthquake was the largest to hit Turkey since 1999 and is the deadliest natural disaster since 2004's 9.1 magnitude Boxing Day Tsunami.

The massive tsunami struck off the coast of Indonesia, killing approximately 228,000 people.

Meanwhile, the WHO estimates that 23 million people, including 1.4 million children, will likely be displaced by the disaster across Turkey and Syria.

Meanwhile, the WHO estimates that 23 million people, including 1.4 million children, will likely be displaced by the disaster across Turkey and Syria.

Prior to the earthquakes, over 15 million people in war-torn Syria were already in need of humanitarian aid, according to rescue reports.

According to authorities, at least 6,000 buildings have collapsed, including homes, historic mosques and castles.