Search and rescue operations are ongoing in the quest for survivors trapped under the rubble of collapsed homes following the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and northwestern Syria, amidst a continued rise in casualty figures across Syria. The Syrian Ministry of Health announced that the death toll from the earthquake has risen to 1,250, with 2,054 injuries reported, based on preliminary figures.
The Secretary-General of the Lattakia Governorate, Rifaat Mohammed, informed the Sana news agency that the death toll in Hama Governorate has reached 51 with 73 injuries, while in Lattakia Governorate, the number has increased to 506 fatalities and 792 injuries, also based on preliminary figures, with 102 buildings reported as collapsed.
For its part, the so-called civil defense (White Helmets) announced that the death toll in northwestern Syria (areas controlled by opposition factions) has exceeded 1,280, with over 2,600 injured, and the numbers are expected to rise significantly due to hundreds of families trapped under the rubble.
Health Minister Hassan Ghabash stated that over 600 medical personnel from various specialties are racing against time at the disaster site.
On another note, the Sana agency reported a light aftershock felt by residents in Lattakia, Tartus, Aleppo, and Homs. The National Earthquake Center also reported a 4.5 magnitude aftershock that occurred at 9:09 AM today, Wednesday, in the Iskenderun district, located 48 km north of Syria.
Additionally, two planes from the UAE and India loaded with humanitarian and medical aid for earthquake victims arrived at Damascus International Airport. Oman also announced that it began aairlift on Wednesday to transport medical and relief supplies to Syria to help mitigate the aftermath of the earthquake that struck two days ago. Moreover, an Iraqi plane arrived at Damascus International Airport yesterday, carrying assistance to aid the affected areas.
