Severe weather hampers earthquake rescuers in Turkey and Syria

Bad weather is hampering rescue efforts after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake and its powerful aftershocks struck southern Turkey and northwest Syria, killing nearly 1,800 people and injuring many more.

According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake struck at 4:17am (01:17 GMT) on Monday at a depth of about 17.9km (11 miles), leading to the collapse and destruction of buildings across the region. It was also felt in Cyprus and Lebanon.

At least 1,014 deaths were reported in Turkey, while at least 783 people have died in Syria so far.

In addition to the devastation from the earthquake, Turkey’s Vice President Fuat Oktay said authorities were also struggling with “extremely severe weather conditions”.

“We are trying to reach the region as quickly as possible,” Oktay told the media.“Everywhere there is snow or rain, and it’s very cold … the weather conditions and the climate is making it very difficult for the rescue workers and civilians,” she said. “It seems to be the biggest challenge for everyone.”

“It’s cold, and many people have lost homes – they’re out in the open, and already the north of Syria is home to millions of people who live in tents,” she said.

“So, this is an emergency that is not going to be easy to deal with,” she added.

‘Horrifying’

Alaa Nafi, from Idlib city in Syria, described the earthquake as “extremely horrific and terrifying”.

He however said many people did not feel safe in buildings amid strong aftershocks. “You can see whole streets filled with cars and people sitting inside them,” he said.

“It’s like a nightmare and we wish that we can get out of it,” he added. “It is indescribable.”

Authorities said the death toll was likely to rise, while experts warned that aftershocks could continue for days or weeks.