Turkey earthquake: Rescue efforts for survivors wound down

Istanbul, Turkey
CNN
 — 

Turkey has ended most search and rescue operations, almost two weeks after an enormous earthquake killed tens of 1000’s of individuals, the nation’s catastrophe administration authority mentioned.

Search and rescue efforts are nonetheless underway in 40 buildings in two provinces, Kahramanmaraş and Hatay, the company’s head Yunus Sezer mentioned, in accordance with state information company Anadolu.

Survivors have continued to be discovered alive underneath the rubble for the reason that quake struck. On Saturday, a pair and their 12-year-old youngster have been rescued in Hatay, 296 hours after the earthquake, Anadolu reported. The youngster later died.

Ilan Kelman, professor of disasters and well being at University College London, instructed CNN that, whereas there’s a precedent for individuals surviving for this many days after earlier earthquakes, “it is unusual.”

“Fundamentally, our bodies can be resilient, but a lot comes down to sheer luck,” Kelman mentioned.

There is a “hierarchy” of wants in these survival conditions, he mentioned. “The rule of thumb is three minutes without oxygen, three days without water, three weeks without food,” he mentioned, that means “there has to be survivable space…enough oxygen.”

Hatay was one of many worst affected of the Turkish provinces hit by the February 6 quake. At least 80% of its buildings will have to be rebuilt after being demolished, the province’s mayor Lutfu Savas mentioned Sunday.

“We need more tents urgently. It will be cold for one more month. People are scared to stay at their homes, but they do not want to leave their animals behind, especially in urban areas,” he mentioned in an interview with Turkish information channel Haberturk.

Turkey’s newest loss of life toll now stands at 40,689 after 47 extra deaths have been reported, with the collective rely throughout Turkey and Syria having risen to no less than 46,530, Anadolu added.