By: Natasha Archary
The death toll in the Turkey and Syria earthquake is fast approaching the 5 000 mark, with 4 800 people confirmed dead so far.
This after two powerful earthquakes hit the middle eastern countries within 12-hours.
Thousands of people have been displaced as over 5 775 buildings have crumbled, leaving nothing but rubble behind.
Authorities expect the death toll to continue to rise as rescue teams delve into the rubble searching for survivors.
The first magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the regions while people slept in the early hours of Monday, 06
February.
Yaa Allahﷻ help those who r suffering and grant those who have passed away jannah.. May Allah give strength to the people of #Turkey #Palestine #Lebanon #Syria & have mercy on them Ameen#TurkeyEarthquake#turkeyearthquake2023 #TurkeyQuake #earthquake #TurkeySyriaEarthquake pic.twitter.com/SesaK7BCon
— Sagir Jablah (@Sagharjablah) February 7, 2023
Tremors were felt in Cyprus and Cairo according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).
A second earthquake that measured 7.7 then hit the north-east of Kahramanmaraş, Turkey at a depth of 2,000 metres.
Seismologists say there have been more than 100 smaller aftershocks since then.
More than 24 000 people are on the ground searching the rubble for survivors.
Aid and relief to Turkey and Syria have been offered by a number of nations including the US, UK, Canada, Israel, Russia and China.
Australia has pledged $10 million in humanitarian aid to Turkey and Syria.
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