The BBC reported on the 12th that while the death toll from the earthquake in Turkey and Syria exceeded 25,000, the rescue operation was temporarily halted due to armed clashes between factions.
◇ As food became scarce, armed conflict between factions continued
: German and Austrian rescue teams stopped rescue operations in Hatay on the 11th due to clashes between anonymous groups.
The BBC reported that armed conflict between factions seems to be taking place as daily necessities such as food are in short supply.
Austrian Army spokesman Pierre Kugelweis said on the day that “due to clashes between unidentified groups, dozens of rescuers were taken to the base camp along with other international organizations.”
“There is a surge in factional attacks in Turkey,” he added.
A German rescue team also suspended rescue operations citing security concerns. “There are more and more reports of clashes between different factions, and there have been shootings,” said Stefan Heine, a spokesman for the German Rescue Service.
“As food, water and hope become increasingly scarce, factional clashes are occurring, and security is likely to deteriorate further,” he said.
However, he stressed that rescue operations would resume as soon as Turkish authorities determined the situation was safe.
On the morning of the 9th (local time), the Korea Emergency Rescue Team (KDRT) is carrying out rescue work in a collapsed building due to the earthquake in Antakya, Hatay Province, Turkey. 2023.2.10/News 1
◇ 50 people arrested in clashes between factions
: Nearly 50 people have now been arrested and several firearms confiscated due to factional clashes, local media reported.
President Recep Erdogan Turkiye said he would exercise emergency powers to punish those who break the law.
He emphasized, “From now on, we will strike down those involved in looting or kidnapping,” and “you need to know that the state’s firm hand is behind your back.”
◇ Over 25,000 deaths from the earthquake
Reuters reports that the death toll from the quake has surpassed 25,000 amid rising security concerns in the region.
Reuters reported that the death toll from the quake exceeded 25,000, with 21,848 dead in Turkey alone.
The death toll from this earthquake has already exceeded the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake (18,500) and is 6,000 less than the 2003 Iranian Earthquake (31,000). However, the number of deaths is increasing rapidly and is expected to exceed even this.
◇ Korean relief team rescues a 65-year-old woman
: Meanwhile, the Korea Emergency Relief Team (KDRT), dispatched to the area affected by the earthquake in Turkiye, rescued a 65-year-old female survivor from the affected area.
The rescued survivor, a 65-year-old woman, was rushed to a nearby hospital in a conscious state. As a result, KDRT has rescued a total of six people so far.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.