Pretoria – With the death toll rising from the devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8, which rattled southern Türkiye and Syria early Monday morning, South Africa joined other countries in offering its sympathies.
Several world leaders have sent condolences have sent their condolences and support messages to both countries, where at least 2 300 people have died as a result of the earthquake.
Earlier Monday, the World Health Organization said it expects a significant jump in the death toll.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has, on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, expressed his deep sadness at the large-scale loss of life and extent of injuries inflicted by an earthquake that has affected the nations of Türkiye and Syria.
President Ramaphosa said: Our nation and government are deeply saddened by the unthinkable loss of life in Türkiye and Syria, and by the vast damage to social and economic infrastructure with which the two governments and populations are now confronted.
Our hearts go out to families who have lost loved ones or are searching for relatives, and we wish injured survivors a full recovery.
Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa said: “President Ramaphosa has expressed his appreciation to the South African humanitarian aid organisation, Gift of the Givers, which is joining the international response in Türkiye and Syria”.
Narrating events leading to the tragedy, Gift of the Givers said: “Our staff in #Syria and #Turkey awoke to a terrifying tremor at 04h10 today, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck various villages and cities in both Turkey and Syria.
“Our teams rapidly evacuated the children from our Bayt Kareem Child Care Centre in #Gaziantep, Turkey, whilst in #Darkoush, Syria, our medical teams were on full alert to respond.
“The casualties started arriving with 25 deceased and 100+ injured and they are pouring in.
“The casualties in both countries are expected to increase exponentially. Freezing cold, rain, and snow are hampering search and rescue efforts.”
