Search and rescue operations have been terminated in nine quake-hit provinces, while efforts will continue for a few more days in Kahramanmaraş and Hatay, Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) head Yunus Sezer has said.
At least 41,020 people lost their lives following 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes that rocked the country’s south on Feb. 6, AFAD announced.
Late on Feb. 19, rescue operations ended in nine of the 11 provinces listed as an earthquake disaster area, and the debris removal efforts have gained momentum in these regions.
On the other hand, in Kahramanmaraş, the epicenter of the quakes and in Hatay, where the most severe destruction occurred, rescue efforts will continue for a while.
“We continue these efforts every day, with the hope of reaching a living brother or sister,” Sezer said.
While rescue operations continue in the two provinces, there were no signs of anyone being dug alive from the rubble since three members of one family, a mother, father and 12-year-old boy, who saved from the debris of a collapsed building in Hatay on Feb. 19. The boy later lost his life.
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