Death Toll from Earthquake in Turkey Exceeds 1700, Over 12000 Injured

The Turkish government's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) has reported an increase in the death toll from the earthquake that struck the country. According to TASS, the number of fatalities has reached 1762.

In its statement released on Monday, AFAD noted: "The death toll from the earthquake has reached 1762, with 12068 people injured and 5606 buildings destroyed." Earlier, the Minister of Health, Fahrettin Koca, had reported 1651 deaths and 11119 injured. He stated that 3471 buildings had collapsed. At that time, AFAD clarified that the total number of destroyed structures in the earthquake zone is 5606.

Koca mentioned that 147 aftershocks have been recorded in the region following the initial earthquake. "Severe damage has been reported in 10 provinces," he added.

According to Koca, the state hospital in the city of Iskenderun, Hatay province, has been destroyed, and another large hospital building has sustained significant damage. "Patients and staff are trapped under the rubble of the destroyed hospital, and rescue operations are underway," the minister stated.

Due to the lack of space in medical facilities, injured individuals are being sent for treatment to other cities. For this, Koca said, aviation is being actively used.

On Monday, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 magnitude struck the Kahramanmaraş province in southeastern Turkey. Later, another earthquake of the same magnitude occurred in Turkey. In neighboring Syria, more than 460 people have died.