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Turkey-Syria earthquake death toll likely to surpass 56,000, UN reports

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United Nations emergency relief chief Martin Griffiths shared some grim news about the earthquakes in southeastern Turkey and northern Syria.  Griffiths believes that the death toll for both earthquakes is likely to exceed 56,000 people.  The death toll was said to be 33,185 on Sunday afternoon.

On Monday, a pair of magnitude 7.8 and 7.5 earthquakes struck approximately 9 hours apart.  The earthquakes toppled over buildings and destroyed structures.

“I think it is difficult to estimate precisely as we need to get under the rubble but I’m sure it will double or more,” Griffiths told Sky News. “That’s terrifying. This is nature striking back in a really harsh way.”

Nearly 13.5 million people live in the hardest hit area, which is approximately 310 miles in diameter. 

A massive search and rescue operation was still ongoing on Sunday, with 34,717 Turkish personnel assisted by 9,595 personnel from 74 other countries.

 First responders utilized thermal cameras to search for survivors under piles of concrete.

Turkish officials have taken aim at both poor-quality construction and also accused companies of ignoring building regulations.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag confirmed on Sunday that 131 people are being investigated in relation to buildings that were toppled during the earthquake.

ARTICLE: PAUL MURDOCH

MANAGING EDITOR: LUKE MOCHERMAN

PHOTO CREDIT: FOX NEWS

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Paul Murdoch

Paul, 37, is from Scotland in the UK, but currently lives and works in Bangkok. Paul has worked in different industries such as telemarketing, retail, hospitality, farming, insurance, and teaching, where he works now. He teaches at an all-girls High School in Bangkok. “It’s a lot of work, but I love my job.” Paul has an active interest in politics. His reason for writing for FBA is to offer people the facts and allow them to make up their own minds. Whilst he believes opinion columns have their place, it is also important that people can have accurate news with no bias.

Paul, 37, is from Scotland in the UK, but currently lives and works in Bangkok. Paul has worked in different industries such as telemarketing, retail, hospitality, farming, insurance, and teaching, where he works now. He teaches at an all-girls High School in Bangkok. “It’s a lot of work, but I love my job.” Paul has an active interest in politics. His reason for writing for FBA is to offer people the facts and allow them to make up their own minds. Whilst he believes opinion columns have their place, it is also important that people can have accurate news with no bias.

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