Earthquake death toll in Turkey, Syria passes 25,000

KAHRAMANMARAS, Turkey – Even after the wounded are treated and the trapped are freed from the rubble, the disaster of the earthquakes in Turkey may continue due to less immediate dangers.

The aftershocks of the earthquake could also manifest in a lack of water and sanitation, as well as frigid temperatures.

IsraAID’s initial exploratory team assessed that clean water would be one of the major problems for area residents following the tremors. “There will be a massive need for clean water,” said IsraAID press officer Shachar May.

President Vladimir Putin offered Russian assistance on Monday to Syria and Turkey after a major earthquake of magnitude 7.8 killed more than 500 people and injured thousands in the two countries.

Russia, which is closely allied with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, maintains a significant military presence in that country. Putin also has a strong rapport with President Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, a NATO member who has nevertheless sought to mediate the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

"Please accept my deep condolences on the numerous human casualties and large-scale destruction caused by a powerful earthquake in your country," Putin said in his message to Erdogan on Monday.

"We are ready to provide the necessary assistance in this regard."

At least 147 people were killed in opposition-held northwest Syria by a major earthquake, rescuers said on Monday.

The White Helmets rescue team said on Twitter that 147 people had died and more than 340 were injured.

"The toll may increase as many families are still trapped," it wrote. "Our teams are on the ground searching for survivors & removing the dead from the rubble."

The Turkish Defence Ministry said on Monday morning that Turkish armed forces have set up an air aid corridor to the earthquake zone to allow for first responders to arrive and provide critical assistance.

There is no damage to the Kerkuk-Ceyhan pipeline carrying oil from Iraq to Turkey, or to the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, and oil flows are continuing on both after a major earthquake struck Turkey, an energy official told Reuters on Monday.

The quake, of magnitude 7.8, struck southern Turkey and northwest Syria early on Monday, killing more than 500 people and injuring hundreds as buildings collapsed across the region, triggering searches for survivors in the rubble.

Israel's Home Front Command has issued guidelines instructing people how to best protect themselves during an earthquake following a deadly 7.7 magnitude quake in Turkey and Syria that was felt across the region early Monday morning.

The quake, which left over 500 dead in Turkey and Syria, and thousands more injured and trapped under rubble was also felt across Israel in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Beit She'an.

The guidelines issued by the Home Front Command cover a variety of bases, including what to do if you're inside a building, inside a vehicle or on a beach.

If an earthquake strikes while you're inside:

If an earthquake warning is issued while you're inside a building, leave the building as fast as possible and head towards an open area, the Home Front Command instructed. Head outside using the stairs, do not use an elevator in the middle of an earthquake warning.

Members of the Knesset Honor Guard, Home Front Command, Firefighters, IDF and Israel's Magen David Adom Emergency Medical Services participate in an emergency drill simulating an earthquake near Ashkelon, on December 19, 2019. (credit: YANIV NADAV/FLASH90)

If this is not possible, find a reinforced bomb shelter room, which all buildings in Israel are required to have, or a well-covered stairwell.

If none of the above options are available, the best thing to do is sit in an inner corner of the room or under a heavy piece of furniture and protect your head with your hands.

If you're inside a car or other vehicle:

If an earthquake warning is issued while you're inside a moving vehicle, immediately pull over to the side of the road and wait in the car until the earthquake is over. The car will serve as protection and you should not leave until it is safe to do so.

However, the Home Front Command warns, do not stop under a bridge, near a building or under a steep slope for fear of them collapsing.

Israeli police officers take part at an exercise which simulates the damages caused by a Tsunami outside a school in Tel Aviv on March 12, 2019. (credit: TOMER NEUBERG/FLASH90)

If you're on or near the beach:

If an earthquake warning is issued, immediately retreat as far as possible from the beach, as earthquakes can trigger tsunamis and flooding. Follow the signs showing the escape route until you arrive at the clearly marked assembly area.

If it is not possible to leave the beach area, find a nearby building and climb to the fourth floor, or higher if possible.

"A warning sign for what's to come"

Meanwhile, the Haifa Environmental Protection Union issued a statement on Monday morning, saying: "The severe earthquake that hit Turkey tonight and was felt throughout the country is a serious warning sign for what may happen here in the event of an earthquake striking this area.

"Around 2.5 million tons of hazardous materials are stored in the Gulf area and a similar event may result in the fact that, in addition to the victims of house collapses, many will also be harmed by exposure to hazardous materials," the organization continued. "Tonight's event is a serious warning for us all."

Israel has offered to send rescue teams to Turkey to aid in the search for survivors following a deadly earthquake in Turkey and Syria overnight in which at least 300 people were killed and 2,000 were injured.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has instructed the IDF and the Defense Ministry to immediately prepare to provide emergency aid through the Home Front Command's international rescue units, he said in a statement on Monday morning.

"The security forces are ready to offer whatever assistance is required," he said. "The security system has gained a lot of experience over the years in dealing with disaster areas."

Israel has decades of experience in providing aid in the wake of earthquakes and natural disasters. It has provided support after earthquakes in Greece in 1953, in Mexico in 1985, and in Armenia, Greece and Turkey in the 1990s. More recently, Israel has also provided aid in India, Sri Lanka, Haiti, Nepal and Mexico.

One of the reasons that Israel is equipped to help in these disaster situations is because it has experts in search and rescue due to its own long experience having to deal with threats of conflict and natural disasters, including possible earthquakes.

The Jerusalem Post has, in the past, interviewed a number of members of Israelis who were involved in search and rescue efforts over the years, including members of Israel’s Home Front Command’s search and rescue unit. That report was published in 2021 in an article in the Post's Magazine called 'Saving Lives: Israel's search and rescue teams on frontlines worldwide.' Here are some key takeaways from that article and what it may mean for today's efforts in Turkey.