Miraculous Rescues in Turkey After Devastating Earthquake as International Aid Pours In

On Friday, emergency crews in Turkey made a series of dramatic rescues, pulling several people, some almost unscathed, from the rubble four days after a catastrophic earthquake struck the border region between Turkey and Syria.

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake, which hit the area early Monday morning, has killed more than 21,000 people and injured nearly 75,000. The area is home to more than 13.5 million people and was followed soon after with another temblor almost as strong, as well as hundreds of aftershocks.

The Turkish government has distributed millions of hot meals, as well as tents and blankets, but is still struggling to reach many people in need. Temperatures remain below freezing across the large region, and many people have no place to shelter.

Rescue teams from around the world have been dispatched to the region to assist in the relief effort. The United Nations has also sent aid and personnel to help with the recovery.

The Turkish government has declared a three-day period of national mourning in honor of the victims of the earthquake. The government has also set up a fund to help those affected by the disaster.