International Rescue Efforts Continue in Turkey and Syria as Death Toll Rises to Over 15,000

Rescue efforts in Turkey and Syria continued Thursday, three days after a devastating earthquake and series of aftershocks hit the region. Despite the efforts of rescue teams, the death toll has risen to over 15,000.

In Diyarbakir, east of Antakya, rescuers freed an injured woman from a collapsed building in the early morning hours but found the three people next to her in the rubble dead, according to the DHA news agency.

Experts have warned that the window for rescuing those trapped under the rubble or otherwise unable to obtain basic necessities is quickly closing. The lack of access to food, water, and medical care is making the situation increasingly dire.

Rescue teams are working around the clock to locate survivors, but the task is becoming increasingly difficult as the days pass. The Turkish government has deployed thousands of search and rescue personnel and has requested assistance from other countries.

The international community has responded with offers of aid and support, but the full extent of the damage and the number of people affected by the disaster is still unknown. As the search for survivors continues, the death toll is expected to rise.