More than 7,000 deaths are to be deplored after the two earthquakes that occurred this Monday, February 6 in Turkey and Syria. In the aftermath of the tragedy, England’s King Charles III expressed his emotion in a very touching statement.
“My wife and I have been deeply shocked and saddened by the news of the devastating earthquakes in southeast Turkey.” These words are signed by King Charles III. He was keen to react on his behalf and that of his wife Camilla to the double tragedy that struck Turkey and Syria this Monday, February 6, two earthquakes that have killed more than 7,000 people, at least 5,434 dead and nearly 16,000 injured in Turkey, while neighboring Syria has at least 1,712 dead and more than 3,500 injured, according to figures relayed by Le Monde. The sad balance sheet still provisional two earthquakes, magnitude 7.8, then 7.5. The worst earthquake in Turkey since August 17, 1999, which killed 17,000 people, recalls the newspaper. A national mourning of seven days has been declared.
“I can only begin to imagine the extent of the suffering and loss following these terrible tragedies and I particularly wanted to express our deepest and most sincere sympathy to the families of all those who have lost loved ones,” continued the sovereign in the statement released on Tuesday, February 7. Before concluding, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have been affected by this appalling natural disaster, whether through injury or the destruction of their property, as well as to the emergency services and those assisting with rescue efforts.”
Dozens of countries mobilized
In Turkey, where 5,000 buildings have completely collapsed, 7,840 people have already been pulled from the rubble. We must move quickly, because the cold is unfortunately not the best ally for the survivors. International aid is being organized. According to the Turkish president, 45 countries have already offered their help. France is considering deploying a field hospital. An autonomous mobile hospital of nearly 2,000 m2 “for a minimum of 15 days” which “will be able to provide, in addition to other lighter care, 10 to 15 surgical operations per day”, announced the Gard fire department in charge of this heavy mission. For its part, the United Kingdom announced the sending of “immediate aid” to Turkey, which includes a team of 76 rescue workers, equipment and dogs.
Photo credits: Avalon/Panoramic/Bestimage