More than 1,200 people dead in Turkey and Syria after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey early Monday morning, injuring thousands in both countries.
At least 912 people have died in Turkey, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said in a televised address on Monday.
In Syria, at least 386 people were killed, of which 239 were mainly in the Aleppo, Hama, Latakia and Tartus regions, Syrian state television reported earlier. The “White Helmets” group, officially known as the Syrian Civil Defense Forces, also reported at least 147 deaths in opposition-controlled areas in northwestern Syria.
Hundreds more were also injured in the quake, with 648 people injured in Aleppo, Hama, Latakia and Tartus, Syrian state television reported. Another 340 wounded were also reported in opposition-controlled areas, the White Helmets added.
Mr. Erdogan said rescue teams in Turkey had rescued more than 2,400 people under the rubble of buildings flattened after the earthquake.
In Turkey, about 9,000 personnel are currently working on search and rescue efforts with more people involved, the Turkish leader added. It is unknown how many more people are still under the rubble.
Erdogan said the Turkish government’s coordination center is located in the capital Ankara and is run by Vice President Fuat Oktay.
CNN’s Kareem El Damanhoury contributed reporting.
