Erdogan says 8,000 people rescued alive from under quake rubble

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that more than 8,000 people had been rescued alive from under the rubble after the earthquakes that hit the country on February 6.

He made the remarks addressing the World Government Summit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a video message on February 14, Daily Sabah reports.

The president expressed Türkiye's appreciation of support from the international community.

According to Erdogan, almost 20 million people were affected by the earthquakes on February 6.

The president said Türkiye was grateful to all the countries for the help they provided for the search and rescue and relief efforts in the aftermath of the powerful twin earthquakes.

"I would like to once again thank all the friendly and sisterly countries that have been collecting aid for our nation day and night, supporting our search and rescue efforts with their teams, and not forgetting us in their prayers," Erdogan added.

Türkiye, which is facing one of the "greatest natural disasters" not only in its history but also in the history of humanity, will never forget "the friendship you showed on this dark day," he said.

The president said the earthquake disaster "once again showed the importance of international solidarity", as Türkiye has received messages of support and condolences from more than 100 countries, including the UAE, which is hosting the summit.