Since the earthquakes that occurred in Turkey and Syria on Monday, more than 21,000 people have been reported dead. The actual scope of the calamity, according to the UN, remains unknown.
After the initial earthquake four days ago, rescuers are still looking for survivors.
Tens of thousands of people who lost their houses in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake have now endured a fourth chilly night in temporary shelters.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkey, referred to the earthquake as “the calamity of the century.”
A significant global relief effort is intensifying. The World Bank committed $1.78 billion (R30 billion) in help to Turkey on Thursday, including urgent funding for the restoration of essential infrastructure and assistance for people impacted by the earthquakes.
The US also contributed, promising to provide both nations a package of $85 million (R1.5 billion).
Meanwhile, logistical challenges including car shortages and damaged roads are impeding the operations of 100,000 or more rescue workers on the ground.
The entire scope of the catastrophe was still “unfolding before our eyes,” according to UN head Antonio Guterres, particularly in Syria, where a protracted civil conflict has wreaked havoc on the nation.
The first UN relief shipment entered northwest Syria on Thursday via the Bab al-Hawa crossing in Idlib. Only via the bridge can UN assistance enter the area without passing through territory controlled by Syrian government troops.
»Death toll from earthquakes in Turkey and Syria tops 21,000«