Turkey, Syria earthquake highlights: Over 3,800 killed; world leaders mourn loss

President Joe Biden promised his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday that the United States will send "any and all" aid needed to help recover from a devastating earthquake. "He reaffirmed the readiness of the United States to provide any and all needed assistance to our NATO ally Turkey in response to this tragedy," the White House said in a statement. "He noted that US teams are deploying quickly to support Turkish search and rescue efforts and coordinate other assistance."

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday said that he was "deeply saddened" to hear about the extensive loss of life caused by the earthquake which impacted southern Turkey and northern Syria. "I was deeply saddened to hear of the extensive loss of life caused by the earthquake which affected southern Turkiye and northern Syria earlier today," Antonio Guterres said in a statement.

The combined death toll stands at more than 3,800, reports news agency AFP.

President Joe Biden said he was "deeply saddened" and promised US assistance Monday after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and Syria, killing thousands of people.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Turkiye and Syria. I have directed my team to continue to closely monitor the situation in coordination with Turkiye and provide any and all needed assistance," the president tweeted from his official account.

"Our teams are deploying quickly to begin to support Turkish search and rescue efforts and address the needs of those injured and displaced by the earthquake," he added in a statement later released by the White House.

We express our deepest condolences to the people of Turkey & Syria following the devastating earthquakes. Department of State is in close contact with our Turkish allies & our humanitarian partners. Our initial assistance response is already underway: US State Dept Spokesperson Ned Price

Two rescue & recovery teams constituting 78 individuals will be travelling to Turkey. We are looking at additional funding resources that we have available for both sides. We are going to remain committed to doing what we can do for our Turkish allies & people of Syria: Ned Price

The death toll in Turkey-Syria earthquake rises to over 3,600, reports news agency AFP.

Turkey's emergencies service said at least 1,762 people had died in the 7.8-magnitude quake, with another 1,000 confirmed fatalities in neighbouring Syria, putting the total at 2,762, reported news agency AFP.

Earthquake death toll in Turkey rises to 1,762, reports AFP citing emergencies service.

In Diyarbakir in southeast Turkey, a woman – next to the wreckage of the seven-storey block where she lived – told Reuters: "We were shaken like a cradle. There were nine of us at home. Two sons of mine are still in the rubble, I'm waiting for them." She was nursing a broken arm and had injuries to her face.

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar was quoted by local media as saying, “This earthquake was biggest in last century, we will do our best to heal the wounds."

Turkey has declared national mourning for seven days after deadly earthquakes in southeastern provinces; flags will fly at half mast during the time, turkish public broadcaster TRT World Now reported.

More than 2,600 people have lost their lives and thousands injured after a deadly 7.8 magnitude earthquake ravaged central Turkey and northwest Syria on Monday. Read more

French president Macron conveys condolences to Turkish president Erdogan after deadly earthquakes hit southern provinces, reports Anadolu Agency.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog offers condolences to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reports TRT World Now.

 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman conveys condolences to Turkish President Erdogan after deadly earthquakes hit southeastern provinces, reports TRT World Now.

All institutions are working at full capacity, Turkey vice president Fuat Oktay said while addressing media.

Researchers said the earthquake was a strike-slip quake, where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, instead of moving up and down. Read more

Death toll from earthquake mounts to 1,541, confirmed Turkey vice president Fuat Oktay. He added, at least 9,733 people injured as four of the aftershocks measured more than magnitude 6.

“President Vladimir Putin of Russia called President Erdogan on the phone, and conveyed his get well soon wishes to him over the earthquake. President Putin extended his condolences to President Erdoğan for those who lost their lives, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. Also, President Putin informed President Erdoğan on the supports Russia would provide to Türkiye in search and rescue works as well as in dealing with the disaster (sic),” Turkish prez tweeted.

Addressing the reporters, Turkey vice president Fuat Oktay said that unfortunately the death toll may rise as three big quakes jolt the country, already claiming over 1,500 lives.

Poor internet connections and damaged roads between some of Turkey's worst-affected cities hampered efforts to assess and address the impact. After snowstorms swept the country over the weekend, rain began to fall on Monday.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “Anguished by the news of lives lost in the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria. The global community must come together to ensure swift relief to the affected region. My thoughts are with families of those who have lost their loved ones.”

Pakistani doctors, paramedics and rescue personnel are being sent to Turkey to help in ongoing rescue and relief operations, Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif said. “Very soon an airplane will also be flown to Turkey with essential items and medicines,” the tweet read.

Syrian government did not request Israeli assistance with earthquake relief, reports Al Watan.