The United Nations on Monday expressed its «deep sadness» at the death toll and destruction caused by the earthquake measuring 7.4 on the open Richter scale in the Turkish province of Kahramanmaras, which has left more than 1,300 dead in Turkey and Syria, according to the latest official estimates.
The UN mission in Turkey has expressed regret «for the loss of life and destruction of property» and conveyed its condolences to the families of the victims. «We wish a speedy recovery to the injured,» it has said in a statement, before showing its readiness to deliver aid.
Likewise, the UN special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has expressed «dismay» at «the tragic loss of life and destruction» in both countries. «Condolences to all those affected, including many families who have already suffered greatly and long ago. We are fully engaged in solidarity and support,» his office has said through his account on the social network Twitter.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has confirmed that more than 900 people have been killed and more than 5,300 injured. In addition, Syrian authorities have confirmed about 240 dead and 640 wounded in areas under their control, while about 150 people have been killed and more than 340 wounded in rebel-held areas in the provinces of Idlib and Aleppo, in the northwest of the Arab country, as indicated by the Syrian Civil Defense, known as ‘white helmets’.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)