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Satellite photographs after a strong earthquake that killed over 15,000 people in Turkey and Syria last week showed entire city blocks were changed into ruins and major towns into ashes. Several high-rise structures fell, with Antakya and Kahramanmaras in the south being among the worst-affected areas.
The satellite photographs also showed hundreds of emergency shelters that had been erected in open spaces and stadiums to aid with relief efforts.
The first 7.8-magnitude earthquake occurred on Monday close to Gaziantep, a city in Turkey with a population of around two million. It was followed by a 7.5-magnitude earthquake and a number of aftershocks. According to the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, the tremors were felt as far away as Greenland.
The areas between Kahramanmaras and Gaziantep suffered the most, with entire city blocks covered in debris. In seven provinces, including public hospitals, Turkey has seen approximately 3,000 structure collapses. Another ancient mosque from the 13th century partially collapsed.
As long as rescue efforts continue, the dead toll—which currently stands at 15,383 and includes 12,391 in Turkey and 2,992 in war-torn Syria—will likely increase.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the earthquake could affect up to 23 million people and that 77 national and 13 foreign emergency medical teams were being sent to the affected areas.
India has also delivered tons of aid to Turkey and Syria.
