Death Toll Reaches 36,000 in Devastating Earthquake in Turkey, Syria; Contractors, Property Developers Under Investigation Due to Building Collapse

A powerful earthquake recently struck Syria and Turkey, leaving a total death toll of 36,000.

Authorities are now investigating the lapses of contractors and building contractors due to building collapses.

The images and videos of a devasting earthquake were on social media and news sites.

The buildings collapsed within seconds after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake jolted Syria and Turkey.

Rising total death tolls and rescue operations

(Photo : by BULENT KILIC/AFP via Getty Images)
(In Hatay on February 13, 2023) Death Toll Reaches 36,000 in Devastating Earthquake in Turkey, Syria; Contractors, Property Developers Under Investigation Due to Building Collapse

After the earthquake, the total number of deaths was only 5,000 until it soared to 36,000.

There is a possibility that the death toll can increase.

Reuters reported that international communities sent their humanitarian support.

Different countries also deployed rescue efforts to help affected countries to save any survivors.

As the day passed, rescuers could still find more survivors and dead people stranded under the rubble of collapsed buildings.

The Washington Post reported that White Helmets have been helping communities stranded and displaced due to catastrophic earthquakes in Syria.

Hospitals received an influx of patients and survivors.

The struggle has become more dire and difficult for Syrians, who are facing years of civil war and earthquake disasters.

Furthermore, Nature World News reported that the USAID and the United States would send $85M in Emergency Relief Assistance to help communities and affected residents.

AccuWeather recently reported that the troublesome cold and inaccessible roads have made it difficult for humanitarian assistance.

In Turkey, Al Jazeera reported a photograph of a father and daughter. The latter was trapped in the building and found dead.

In addition, the report said that a healthy one-year-old baby was rescued in the province of Sanliurfa. The baby was trapped under the rubble for about 53 hours.

Property developers and building contractors are under investigation.

Meanwhile, CNN reported that authorities in Turkey are investigating building contractors and property developers due to the building collapse.

In Turkey, the death toll reached about 31,000, while about 5,700 in Syria.

The crackdown on contractors sought answers and investigations for their responsibilities and involvement in the building codes and collapse.

Also Read: Earthquake Emergency: How Homeowners Can Prepare 

CNN added that about eight people were currently arrested, and 48 were under the police authorities' custody.

According to Bekir Bozdag, Justice Minister in Turkey, judicial questioning was ongoing, explaining the building situations.

Based on the report, some buildings are newly built. Some are about or more than 30 years old.

State officials explained the involvement of contractors for collapsed and destroyed buildings, especially if they adhere to building regulations.

Earthquake preparedness

While no one can predict earthquakes, residents and communities should be prepared for possible earthquake disasters.

People should check their homes and buildings for possible damages after the earthquake, as aftershocks can become possible.

Staying calm during an earthquake event is essential. Immediately, look for a secure place as you cover your head.

Related Article: Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 21,000 in Turkey, Syria; US to Provide $85M Emergency Relief

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