Rescue Teams in Turkey and Syria Face Daunting Task in Freezing Conditions to Recover Bodies from Earthquake Rubble

Rescue teams in Turkey and Syria are facing a daunting task in freezing conditions as they work to recover bodies from the rubble of thousands of buildings destroyed by a catastrophic earthquake and aftershocks.

The disaster management agency in Turkey reported that the death toll had risen to 6,957, while the death toll in Syria has climbed to 1,267 in government-held areas and 1,280 in rebel-held areas, bringing the overall total to 9,504.

Rescue teams have been working around the clock in both countries, with the White Helmets, a volunteer organization in Syria, reporting that 2,600 people have been injured in addition to the fatalities.

The task of recovering bodies has been made more difficult by freezing temperatures, and the teams are stretched thin. The Turkish government has deployed thousands of search and rescue personnel, including military personnel, firefighters, and medical teams, to assist in the effort.

The magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck on Monday and was felt as far away as Lebanon, Israel, and the Greek island of Samos. The earthquake and aftershocks have caused extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure in both countries, leaving thousands of people homeless.

The international community has pledged to provide aid to both countries, and the United Nations has launched an appeal for $50 million to help those affected.

The rescue efforts are expected to continue in the coming days as teams search for survivors and recover the bodies of those who have been killed.