At least 912 people died in Turkey and 560 people in Syria as a result of an earthquake of magnitude 7.8.

The number of deaths from earthquake magnitude 7.4 on the open Richter scale recorded this Monday in southern Turkey, near the border with Syriaincreased to almost 1500 (at least 912 in Turkey and 560 in Syria), according to data provided by the authorities of both countries and the White Helmets, although there are fears that the figure could increase in the coming hours, because thousands of people were injured and many still remain under the rubble.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in press statements, indicated that at least 912 people were killed and 5,385 injured in what he called the “biggest disaster since the 1939 earthquake,” which caused more than 30,000 deaths.

“Our state has taken action with all institutions since the earthquake, and our provinces have mobilized all their capabilities,” he said, noting that more than 9,000 people are working in search and rescue operations.

Governor of Kahramanmaras province Omer Farooq Koskun stressed that “at present it is not possible to state the exact number of dead and injured” and added that “the damage is severe.” The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the Pazarchik region of this province.

In this regard, the mayor of Kahramanmarash, Khairettin Gungor, recognized the situation as a “catastrophe” and added that the authorities “are using all their capabilities.” “Our request to citizens is not to crowd and not interfere with traffic. We need to help the (search and rescue) teams,” he said.

For his part, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu pointed out at a press conference that Turkish government he issued the highest level of alert, including a request for international assistance, and dispatched numerous search and rescue teams to the earthquake zones.

Syria casualty data

He earthquake Turkey-based epicenter of the epidemic has resulted in at least 473,560 deaths and more than 1,500 injuries in northern Syria, according to preliminary estimates released by state media and aid workers in the rebel zone.

According to the official Syrian news agency SANA, 326 people were killed and 1,042 injured in the collapse of houses in several cities, including Aleppo (north), Syria’s second largest city.

Victims have also been reported in Hama (center), as well as in Latakia and Tartus on the Mediterranean coast. Previous balance reported 239 deaths in areas under control Syrian regime.

In rebel-held areas near Turkey, it is the White Helmets – the rescuers mobilized in those areas – who are counting the casualties.

“According to preliminary data, 147 people were killed and more than 340 were injured in the province of Idlib and the vicinity of Aleppo,” the White Helmets reported on Twitter.

The White Helmets called the situation “catastrophic” and called on international humanitarian organizations to “intervene quickly” to help the local population. (According to EFE, AFP and Europapress)