Death Toll from Earthquake in Turkey Approaches 40,000

The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Turkey has reached 39,672, according to Anadolu, citing Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu.

Previously, reports indicated 38,044 fatalities. Rescuers continue to operate in the affected areas, with rare rescues being reported of individuals trapped under rubble for more than ten days.

Turkey's Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change has reported that over 84,000 buildings have been destroyed as a result of the earthquake.

On Friday, Turkey's Minister of Culture Mehmet Nuri Ersoy visited the affected regions in southeastern Turkey to assess the extent of the damage, particularly to cultural and artistic objects. He promised that recovery efforts would begin in March.

On the night of February 6, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey, followed by a series of aftershocks, one of which registered at 7.6 magnitude. These tremors have caused significant devastation and loss of life both in the country and neighboring Syria.