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More Turkey survivors found as aid focus turns to homeless

Aid focus turns to homeless in Turkey-Syria quake aftermath, more survivors found
MENA
7 min read
17 February, 2023
The death toll continues to climb from last week's devastating earthquake that hit southeast Turkey and northwest Syria despite more survivors being pulled from the rubble, as aid agencies work to help people who have lost their homes.

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International aid agencies are stepping up efforts to help millions of homeless people, many sleeping in tents, mosques, schools or cars, 11 days after the massive 7.8 earthquake hit Turkey and Syria killing more than 43,000.

The quake killed at least 38,044 people in southern Turkey, officials said on Friday, while authorities in neighbouring Syria have reported 5,800 deaths - a figure that has changed little in days. The Syrian regime says the death toll in the territory it controls is 1,414, while the majority of deaths are in the rebel-held northwest.

Neither county has said how many people are still missing.

The United Nations on Thursday appealed for more than $1 billion in funds for the Turkish relief operation, just two days after launching a $400 million appeal for Syrians.

UN aid chief Martin Griffiths, who visited Turkey last week, said the people had "experienced unspeakable heartache", adding: "We must stand with them in their darkest hour and ensure they receive the support they need."

Across the border in northwest Syria, the United Nations said more than 140 UN trucks had gone through the rebel-held border crossings since the earthquake, two of which recently opened.