Three big earthquakes – of 7.8, 7.6 and 6.0 magnitude – hit Turkey today killing more than 2,300 people and injuring thousands. The deaths and destruction are in Turkey and neighbouring Syria. The last two earthquakes hit hours after the first killer temblor of 7.8 magnitude.
India and other countries are rushing aid. PM Narendra Modi reached out to quake hit-Turkey. “India stands in solidarity with the people of Turkey and is ready to offer all possible assistance to cope with this tragedy,” the PM said. The government has decided to send rescue teams, medical teams and relief material.
The epicentre of the first quake was near Nurdagi in Gaziantep province, the Syria border. The second quake was near Ekinozu in nearby Kahramanmaraş province; and the third near Goksun in the same province. Keep scrolling down to read the latest updates on what’s happening.
Turkey Earthquake Live Updates: The killer 7.8 earthquake was centred north of the city of Gaziantep about 90 kilometres (60 miles) from the Syrian border. Follow this space for the latest news updates.
21:34 (IST)06 Feb 2023
UK teams actively involved in rescue operations
The UK said it is providing the support that the Turkish government has asked for. The UK International Search and Rescue team has specialist search equipment including seismic listening devices, concrete cutting and breaking equipment, propping and shoring tools.
In northwest Syria, the UK-aid-funded White Helmets have activated a significant search and rescue response and mobilised all their resources to respond to emerging needs.
21:32 (IST)06 Feb 2023
UK deploys emergency response teams to tackle Turkey quake
The UK government said on Monday that it will immediately deploy emergency response teams to Turkey to assist with rescue efforts in the wake of the country’s worst earthquake in decades.
A flight is expected to depart the UK at 4 pm local time and arrive around 9 pm local time in the Turkish city of Gaziantep.
