Updated figures on casualties and damage from the Turkey-Syria earthquake
Preliminary reports indicate a continuing rise in the number of lives lost in the powerful earthquake that struck parts of Turkey and neighboring Syria. The latest figures show that the death toll has climbed to 12,391 people, according to the Turkish disaster response agency and corroborating updates from Anatolia. The agency notes that the toll continues to be revised as rescue teams, local authorities, and national relief networks work through affected areas to verify and confirm casualties and missing persons. The ongoing search and rescue operations remain a critical priority in several hard-hit provinces.
In addition to the fatalities, the number of injuries has also increased, with the latest tallies indicating that almost 63,000 individuals have sustained injuries in the disaster. Medical facilities across the affected regions are under immense pressure, and field hospitals have been set up to handle the surge in patients requiring urgent care. Government and humanitarian agencies are coordinating to deliver essential medical supplies, trauma care, and emergency shelter to affected communities as the response efforts extend into days and weeks of recovery work.
Earlier statements from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan highlighted the severity of the damage, noting that tens of thousands were injured and thousands of buildings were damaged or destroyed in the tremors. Erdogan emphasized the scale of the catastrophe and the need for rapid, coordinated relief to assist families who lost homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. The president’s remarks reflect the challenges faced by rescue workers and the affected population as they adapt to a rapidly changing situation and begin to plan for long-term reconstruction.
Initial seismic activity on February 6 unleashed a cascade of aftershocks that compounded the initial damage. The Turkish Government’s Emergency Management and Prevention Agency (AFAD) and other national agencies reported that following the first magnitude 7.7 earthquake in the Pazarcık area of Kahramanmaraş, there have been hundreds of aftershocks. In total, more than 312 distinct tremors have been recorded in the region as authorities monitor aftershocks, assess structural integrity, and prioritize safe access for rescue teams and displaced residents. The continued seismic activity complicates response efforts but also underscores the necessity for robust monitoring, rapid relocation where needed, and ongoing support for communities trying to rebuild their lives. [AFAD attribution]