The health authorities report a rising toll as the aftermath of the powerful earthquakes continues to unfold across the country. The latest figures from the Ministry of Health show a total of 17,406 lives lost, with a broader count of 71,866 people affected by the disaster. Authorities also confirmed that 6,444 buildings have been destroyed in the affected regions, underscoring the scale of the devastation and the urgency of relief efforts nationwide.
Earlier numbers had indicated a lower death toll, with reports noting 17,134 fatalities at one point. As rescue and recovery work progresses, officials are revising totals to reflect new information gathered from field teams, hospitals, and regional administrations. The ongoing assessment highlights the profound impact across multiple provinces and the critical need for shelter, medical care, and durable reconstruction.
Initial reports identified two major seismic events on February 6. The first struck the Pazarcık district in Kahramanmaraş with a magnitude of 7.7, followed by a 7.6 quake in the Elbistan region. The sequence created widespread destruction, with many lives altered in a matter of moments and entire neighborhoods left unrecognizable by the shaking. The Ministry of Health notes that the highest concentrations of casualties appear to be in Kahramanmaraş and Hatay, reflecting the intensity of the tremors in those areas and the challenges facing responders amid unstable infrastructure.
Turkey’s disaster management agency, AFAD, shares that rescue teams have evacuated more than 28,000 people from the disaster zone. This figure highlights the tireless work of responders, who are coordinating searches, triage, and shelter operations under difficult conditions. The evacuation process is ongoing as teams push deeper into affected neighborhoods, often navigating damaged roads and compromised facilities to reach survivors and deliver aid.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the catastrophe as the most severe disaster the country has faced since 1939 and announced seven days of national mourning. The declaration reflects the breadth of loss felt across communities and serves as a national call for unity, support, and solidarity as rescue and recovery efforts continue. Government agencies, local authorities, and international partners are working together to coordinate relief supplies, medical care, and temporary housing for those displaced by the earthquakes.
In the wake of such a catastrophe, the public is urged to follow official guidance on safety, shelter, and health precautions. Medical teams are prioritizing critical care needs, including treatment for injuries, infection prevention, and mental health support for survivors. The scale of reconstruction required is immense, spanning infrastructure repair, housing restoration, and long-term social services to help communities recover and rebuild with resilience. As the situation evolves, authorities emphasize transparency in reporting, the rapid deployment of resources, and ongoing coordination with regional authorities to ensure aid reaches those most in need.
Experts note that while frontline rescue operations capture immediate life-saving moments, the coming weeks and months will focus on stabilizing communities, safeguarding public health, and laying the groundwork for sustainable recovery. Efforts include restoring essential services, reopening schools and clinics where possible, and providing financial and logistical assistance to homeowners and local businesses affected by the quakes. The country remains committed to a comprehensive response that blends rapid emergency action with long-term development planning to reduce vulnerability in future seismic events.