Dr Mike Evans

Netanyahu expresses condolences to Turkey and Syria following earthquake By Dr Mike Evans

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared his condolences and support to those impacted by a massive earthquake that struck parts of Turkey and Syria overnight.

“There has been a very severe earthquake in Türkiye – which was also felt in other areas – in the past day. In accordance with the request of the Turkish government, I have directed the dispatch of search and rescue, and medical teams,” the prime minister wrote.

“This is what we do around the world and this is what we do in areas close to us. Since a request was also received to do this – for the many who were injured in the earthquake in Syria, I have instructed that this be done as well,” he added.

Reports are continuing to assess damages with estimates of more than 1,500 lives lost reported by some outlets.

The earthquake was measured as a magnitude 7.8, the strongest to hit the area in more than a century. The quake struck 14 miles east of Nurdagi in Turkey.

Strong aftershocks were reported as high as magnitude 7.5, according to the U.S. Geological Society.

In addition to the many deaths in Turkey, more than 5,300 injuries have been reported by the nation’s media. At least 380 people have been killed in Syria and over 1,000 injuries have been reported.

The situation adds to issues for hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees in Turkey in recent years, with many living in difficult conditions ahead of the earthquake.

Several other nations have also issued statements and are mobilizing disaster relief efforts to Turkey. Among those sending condolences are Russia and China.

The U.S. has also issued a statement form National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.

“The United States is profoundly concerned by the reports of today’s destructive earthquake in Turkiye and Syria,” he wrote.

“We stand ready to provide any and all needed assistance. President Biden has directed USAID and other federal government partners to assess U.S. response options to help those most affected. We will continue to closely monitor the situation in coordination with the Government of Turkiye,” the statement added.