Turkey Earthquake: Death Toll Rises; Almost 300 Lives Lost
The death toll of the earthquake that rocked Turkey Sunday is nearing 300 as rescue efforts continue.
The number of deaths is now up to 279, with 1300 injured, according to Turkey's semi-official Anatolian news agency. Almost 1000 buildings have also been destroyed.
Five survivors were found in the rubble Monday by rescue workers using shovels and heavy machinery to locate people stuck under the debris.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
One man was rescued from a collapsed building after calling police from his cell phone.
Near-freezing temperatures have exacerbated the situation as some survivors have gathered wood from demolished buildings to burn for warmth.
The death toll has fluctuated throughout Monday. Idris Naim Sahin, Interior Minister, said that up to 264 people were killed. Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay said 239 people were killed.
The 7.2 quake struck Turkey early Sunday morning. The worst of the damage took place in Ercis, a city in eastern Turkey, according to officials.
The earthquake shut down electricity and water in certain parts of the country. Over 100 aftershocks have hit the area since, one with a magnitude of 6.1.
Citizens of Ercis are still trying to cope with the disaster.
"We did not understand what was going on, the buildings around us, the coffee house all went down so quickly," said 42-year-old Abubekir Acar.
"For a while, we could not see anything – everything was covered in dust. Then, we heard screams and pulled out anyone we could reach," he said.
The United States and Israel have offered help to Turkey. President Barack Obama said Sunday that the U.S. would stand "shoulder to shoulder" with Turkey during this arduous time.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon expressed sadness over the earthquake. He also praised Turkish authorities for their quick response to the quake.
As of Monday 2300 emergency personal were on the ground contributing to the rescue effort.
