Natalia Chi
The death toll from Monday’s devastating quake and more than 300 aftershocks in southeastern Turkey and northern Syria topped 5,000 on Tuesday, officials said.The aftershocks made the search itself dangerous.
Officials said a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck on Tuesday.
But Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay told reporters on Tuesday that 800 people had been dragged from under the rubble. He said there are 20,000 people in the country’s rescue force.
Tens of thousands were injured in both countries.
Countless people have lost their homes due to the cold winter conditions.
Countries around the world began sending aid to the region. Oktay said rescue teams from 14 countries have already arrived in Turkey, and he expects teams from 70 more as the day progresses.
