BY: Manoah Kikekon
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| Earthquake in Turkey and Syria |
More than 20,000 people have now been confirmed dead in a devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria early Monday.
According to Turkey's disaster and emergency management authority, at least 17,134 people have died in the country, while the death toll in Syria stands at 3,317.
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck both countries, reducing buildings to rubble and trapping many families beneath them.
Fuel and truck shortages, blocked roads, and slow access to relief materials are complicating search and rescue missions.
The Turkish president is under increasing scrutiny from citizens dissatisfied with the rescue effort's slow response.
"Preparing for such a disaster is impossible. We will not abandon any of our citizens," said Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The earthquake struck southeastern Turkey and northwestern Syria, killing thousands and injuring millions.
Meanwhile, six UN lorries carrying aid have crossed the border from Turkey to Syria, making them the first international relief vehicles to reach the country.