At least 41 people have died and more than 1,607 have been hospitalized in eastern Turkey after an earthquake that rattled the region on January 24.
The 6.7-magnitude quake struck near the town of Sivrice, in eastern Elazig province, causing at least 10 buildings to collapse, Interior Minister Sulyman Soylu said.
About 1,607 people were hospitalized, Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management President (AFAD) reported on Sunday.
At least 45 people have been rescued from collapsed buildings, AFAD said, adding that 1,521 buildings have been inspected, with 76 found to be collapsed and 645 heavily damaged.
Preliminary reports say the earthquake lasted 40 seconds, according to AFAD, and 3,699 search and rescue personnel have been deployed.
About 500,000 people felt tremors ranging from strong to very strong, the USGS reported. The earthquake was felt in several other countries, including Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.
Having learned, with great sadness, of the tragic loss of life and the destruction of property caused by the earthquakes in Turkey, the Inter-European Division of Seventh-Day Adventists expresses its heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy. We pray especially for the healing of the injured and the consolation of all who grieve the loss of their loved ones.
We pray for all the rescuers who are fighting against time to save other victims still trapped in the rubble. Let us pray that hope will never be lost and that all those who are missing may be rescued.
In offering encouragement to the civil authorities and those involved in the search and rescue efforts as they assist the victims of this disaster, we invoke upon the people of Turkey divine blessings of consolation and strength.
