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The death toll from a powerful earthquake of 7.8 magnitude that rattled parts of Turkey and Syria on Monday, 6 February, crossed 4,000 by Tuesday morning.
Death toll: While Turkey has reported over 2,900 deaths so far, around 700 were reported to be dead in Syria.
In rebel-held areas, at least 380 people were killed, according to Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, AP reported on Monday.
Injuries: Over 16,000 people have been injured in Turkey and around 1,4131 have been injured in Syria, AP reported.
Large-scale rescue operations are underway in both countries and the death toll is expected to rise further.
Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took to Twitter to say that search and rescue teams were immediately dispatched. "We hope that we will get through this disaster together as soon as possible and with the least damage," he said.
Time and location: The earthquake occurred at 04:17 local time (06:47 IST) at a depth of 17.9 kilometres near the city of Gaziantep, as per the US Geological Survey.
Gaziantep lies near the Turkey-Syria border
Tremors were felt in the country's capital, Ankara, as well as other Turkish cities, the BBC reported
Egypt's Cairo, which is over 1,500 kilometres from Gaziantep, was also subject to aftershocks
The damage? Several buildings were destroyed due to the earthquake, according to a report by news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Over 34 buildings were destroyed in the Osmaniye province, Governor Erdinc Yilma was quoted as saying.
India To Send Help: Two teams of NDRF comprising 100 personnel with specially trained dog squads and necessary equipment are ready to be flown to the earthquake hit area in Turkey for search & rescue operations, the government said. The decision was taken at a meeting held by PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister in South Block.
Medical Teams are also being readied with trained doctors and paramedics with essential medicines. Relief material will be dispatched in coordination with the Government of Republic of Türkiye and Indian Embassy in Ankara and Consulate General office in Istanbul, a government statement said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity with Turkey and Syria over the disaster.
"Anguished by the loss of lives and damage of property due to the Earthquake in Turkey. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. India stands in solidarity with the people of Turkey and is ready to offer all possible assistance to cope with this tragedy," PM Modi said.
"Deeply pained to learn that the devastating earthquake has also affected Syria. My sincere condolences to the families of the victims. We share the grief of Syrian people and remain committed to provide assistance and support in this difficult time," he added.
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