Death toll in Turkey and Syria earthquake crosses 50,000
The Hindu
Turkey has begun to rebuild for 1.5 million people left homeless by earthquakes
Turkey has begun work to rebuild homes following this month's devastating earthquakes, a government official said on February 24, as the combined death toll in Turkey and Syria surpassed 50,000.
More than 1,60,000 buildings containing 5,20,000 apartments collapsed or were severely damaged in the February 6 earthquakes that killed tens of thousands in Turkey and neighbouring Syria.
The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) announced the death toll in Turkey due to earthquakes rose to 44,218 on Friday night.
With Syria's latest announced death toll of 5,914, the combined death toll in the two countries rose to above 50,000.
President Tayyip Erdogan has pledged to rebuild homes within a year, although experts have said the authorities should put safety before speed. Some buildings that were meant to withstand tremors crumbled in the latest earthquakes.
ALSO READ | Turkey arrests building contractors 6 days after quakes
"For several projects, tenders and contracts have been done. The process is moving very fast," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity, adding there would be no compromise on safety.
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