CNN
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Security risks put a handful of search and rescue operations on hold on Saturday, as the death toll of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey surpassed 25,000.
Germany and Austria have suspended rescue operations in Turkey, citing security concerns.
Meanwhile, rescue efforts in the rebel-controlled areas in north and northwest Syria have ended, announced volunteer organization Syria Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, on Friday.
After searching for 108 hours, the group said it believes no one trapped under the rubble is still alive.
Syria has been ravaged by civil war since 2011, and 4 million people were already reliant on humanitarian aid in the worst-affected parts of rebel-controlled country before Monday’s disaster.
As many as 5.3 million people in Syria could have been affected by the quake and be in…
2023-02-11 12:36:28 Several rescue operations suspended in Syria and Turkey as chances of survival diminish
Post from www.cnn.com
Recently, the hopes of finding survivors in the rubble of the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria have been decreasing as rescue operations in both countries have been suspended.
The aftermath of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that shook Manbij near the Euphrates river in northeast Syria and the city of Van in eastern Turkey has left entire streets and villages destroyed. The United Nations estimates that 1,000 people are confirmed dead and over 1,500 are injured and in need of assistance.
In response to this disaster, rescue teams from Syria and Turkey have been working around the clock to save survivors. However, the chances of individuals moving around unharmed, let alone vulnerable and severely injured individuals, has decreased significantly in the days following the earthquake. The Syrian Civil Defense, commonly known as the “White Helmets,” announced that they have suspended rescue operations in the town of Manbij after having pulled out 16 victims. The volunteers, who often work in dangerous conditions, are still doing what they can to find survivors in the rubble, but with fewer human casualties reported each day the possibility for further rescues continues to diminish.
The situation appears to be much the same in Turkey. “Search and rescue operations have been suspended since the middle of the night. After reaching this point in time, the chances of finding people alive have diminished” said Mayor Zulfikar Arapoglu in a statement. In response, the Turkish government has announced that it will turn its attention to relief efforts and providing support to those affected.
The devastating earthquake is a tragedy for both Turkey and Syria and the international community cannot forget the innocent lives that have been lost. The hope is that the support given to victims and those managing the aftermath during this difficult time will be enough to help the survivors recover quickly and bring comfort to the families of those lost.
