The earthquake that struck southeastern Türkiye on Monday is believed to be the strongest since 1939 when an earthquake of the same magnitude of 7.8 struck the eastern part of the country. (Photo: CFP)
At least 16,546 people were killed and 66,132 others injured by two strong earthquakes that jolted southern Türkiye earlier this week, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday.
The magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 earthquakes, centered in the Kahramanmaras province, were felt on Monday by 13 million people across 10 provinces, including Adana, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye, and Sanliurfa.
Several countries in the region, including Syria and Lebanon, felt strong tremors that struck Türkiye in the space of less than 10 hours.
Speaking in Kilis, Erdogan said a total of 6,444 buildings had collapsed in the quake zone.
"Last Monday, we were confronted with the worst earthquake this region has ever seen in its history," he added.
More than 115,680 search and rescue personnel are currently working in the field, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD).
A total of 28,044 people were evacuated from quake-hit regions, AFAD said in a statement.
"As of 11.38 a.m. (0838GMT), a total of 28,044 citizens were evacuated from the disaster area, 4,607 by road and railway and 23,437 by air," it said.
Evacuees are being placed in accommodation areas and guesthouses designated by provincial governors' offices and AFAD, it added.
(With input from agencies)