Türkiye’s Erdogan declares 3-month emergency state in quake-hit provinces

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared a three-month state of emergency in the country's ten provinces struck by the devastating earthquakes with epicentre from Kahramanmaras province.

The Turkish leader said that according to the latest data, 3,549 people have become earthquake victims and 22,168 have been injured, Anadolu Agency reports.

More than 8,000 have been rescued from under the rubble.

"We are facing one of the biggest disasters not only in the history of Türkiye but also in the region and the world as a whole. All government agencies, personnel, and equipment have been mobilised to work in the disaster zone. At the first stage, 100 billion liras ($5.31 billion) has been allocated for emergency aid to the residents of the disaster zone," the head of state said.

As reported, 54,000 tents, 102,000 beds, and relief supplies have been sent to the earthquake zone.

According to Erdogan, 53,317 rescuers are already working in the disaster zone. Their number is increasing day by day thanks to teams from Türkiye and other countries, he said.

The president called for solidarity in the face of the consequences of the massive earthquake. "We see attempts to create divisions in society through fakes and misinformation. All will be held accountable in due time," Erdogan assured.

The Turkish leader announced the nullification of fees for transfers in Turkish lira and foreign currencies to bank accounts of the Turkish government's Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD).