The number of casualties after devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria could exceed 20,000, the World Health Organization says, as rescuers battle with difficult wintry conditions to save thousands still trapped beneath the rubble.
As of writing, 4,365 people have been confirmed dead, but that number is rising by the hour.
Turkey says it has received offers of aid from 45 governments, while prime minister Anthony Albanese pledged “an initial $10m in humanitarian assistance” from Australia.
Coordinating help in Syria will prove more challenging, as some of the worst-affected towns fall under opposition-held areas still in conflict with the Syrian government.
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In pictures
There are some truly horrific images coming out of Turkey and Syria – many of which we won’t show for sensitivity reasons. But we have assembled a gallery to capture the devastating impact the earthquake has had on communities along the border region.
What they said …
***
“We hear noises, voices here and there, but most of the time, nothing. There is no one to help save them, there is no support.” – Ali Batel
A resident from the Syrian border town of Jindires recalled the horror of the earthquake. Batel pleaded for international assistance as family members lie under the rubble, with the town lacking the means and equipment to rescue those trapped.
In numbers
The RBA signalled today it expects the cash rate to rise by at least another half percentage point.
Before bed read
Where do you sit on the long-haired men ledger? Men have been letting it flow for, well, a couple million years. But what is it about long hair on certain men that just looks all wrong?
“Perhaps emboldened by men growing it out during the pandemic and then deciding to hold on to what they’ve got, long hair is having a moment just as soon as it’s being chopped away.”
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