The Syrian Ministry of Health has provided an ongoing update on the human toll from the deadly earthquake, noting that the confirmed number of fatalities across the country has risen to 711, with many more people wounded and displaced in the aftermath. Officials emphasize that these figures are provisional and subject to change as rescue teams, medical crews, and local authorities continue to assess the damage in affected provinces. In a detailed briefing, the ministry confirmed that 711 people lost their lives and 1,431 individuals sustained injuries in the provinces of Aleppo, Latakia, Hama, Idlib, and Tartus. The message from health authorities highlighted the variability in casualty counts as the situation evolves, with hospital admissions and emergency responses adapting to the shifting needs of communities grappling with collapsed dwellings, disrupted infrastructure, and a strain on essential services. This update corroborates the widespread impact of the disaster, underscoring the urgency of coordinated relief efforts and international humanitarian assistance to support medical facilities, evacuation operations, and shelter for families who have lost their homes. In addition to the official numbers, the ministry’s communications stress that responders are working around the clock to triage the wounded, deliver critical supplies, and restore basic health services in the most affected zones. This context matters for residents and donors alike, as it helps draw attention to the ongoing health challenges and the long road to recovery faced by communities in the hardest-hit regions.
Beyond the medical and logistical response, the disaster has drawn international outreach and expressions of solidarity. In a rare and meaningful gesture, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain contacted Syrian President Bashar Assad by phone for the first time in 12 years to convey condolences for the lives lost and to offer assistance in overcoming the consequences of the earthquake. The Syrian leadership’s office noted that during the call, the Bahraini monarch reaffirmed his willingness to contribute to the relief and reconstruction effort, signaling strong Gulf cooperation and regional commitment to supporting Syria during this period of mourning and recovery. The exchange illustrates how crisis events can temporarily bridge political distances and focus attention on humanitarian needs, while also highlighting the role of neighbors and allied countries in providing material and logistical support to address immediate medical needs, temporary shelter, clean water, and essential supplies for affected families.
Meanwhile, the situation in Turkey unfolded with alarming intensity as a separate major earthquake struck the region early in the day. On the morning of February 6, a powerful 7.7 magnitude quake originated in the Pazarcık area of Kahramanmaraş province, sending strong tremors across the wider southeastern part of the country. The seismic impact was felt in cities and provinces including Adana, Ankara, Antalya, Kayseri, Mersin, Trabzon, and Urfa, creating widespread alarm and prompting rapid emergency responses from local authorities and disaster management agencies. As search and rescue missions continued, authorities reported a rising death toll that surpassed 2,300 victims, with thousands more injured or left homeless as buildings collapsed and infrastructure was damaged. The Turkish government and international aid organizations redoubled their efforts to reach affected neighborhoods, deploy field hospitals, and provide temporary housing, food, and medical assistance to those displaced. This catastrophe in Turkey is part of a broader pattern of regional vulnerability to seismic events, reminding neighboring countries and international partners of the ongoing need for robust preparedness, resilient building practices, and coordinated humanitarian relief to mitigate loss of life and reduce suffering in future emergencies. The evolving counts and on-the-ground responses remain a priority for monitoring agencies and relief networks working to support affected communities across the affected zones.