Two Massive Earthquakes Kill Over 2,000 in Turkey and Syria

Two Massive Earthquakes , Kill Over 2,000, in Turkey and Syria.

'The Independent' reports that two massive earthquakes have killed an estimated 2,300 people and wounded thousands of others in Turkey and Syria.

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Experts warn that the death toll is likely to rise as search and rescue efforts continue.

A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck near the city of Gaziantep, leaving many trapped below rubble before a second 7.5 magnitude tremor struck just hours later.

Authorities said that 1,498 thousand people were killed across ten Turkish provinces.

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In neighboring Syria, authorities declared over 430 people killed and at least another 380 killed in the country's rebel-held northwest.

According to natural hazards expert Dr. Steven Godby, the vulnerability of the population combined with winter conditions could make rescue efforts difficult.

Unfortunately the death toll is likely to climb quickly, Dr. Steven Godby, Natural hazards expert, via 'The Independent'.

The first 24-48 hours is when most people are normally rescued in this situations, but the cold weather may reduce that time.

, Dr. Steven Godby, Natural hazards expert, via 'The Independent'.

The challenge is further compounded by the fact that there are already large numbers of displaced people in northern Syria as a result of the civil war, Dr. Steven Godby, Natural hazards expert, via 'The Independent'.

Dozens of governments around the world have already pledged their support, including rescue teams, funds or other means of aid in response to the disaster.

Dozens of governments around the world have already pledged their support, including rescue teams, funds or other means of aid in response to the disaster