Turkey and Syria earthquake: death toll rises to over 1,200 as search for survivors continues – latest updates
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Helena Smith reports for the Guardian from Athens:
Over in Greece where the 7.8 magnitude quake’s tremors were also felt, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has instructed specialised teamsto be deployed to assist rescue efforts. A 25-strong EMAK rescue unit is believed to be on its way to southern Turkey with other assistance to follow.
In a tweet Mitsotakis expressed the “heartfelt condolences” of Greeks for the families of the hundreds whose lives have been lost so far.
“[We are] deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake disaster … Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims and our thoughts are with all the people affected. Greece is mobilizing its resources and will assist immediately,” he wrote.
The country’s head of state president, Katerina Sakelloropoulou, also voiced sympathy and support tweeting that the Greek people “stand in solidarity” with both countries.
“Overwhelmed by the images of destruction caused by earthquake in Turkey and Syria. On behalf of the Greek people and myself, I express my condolences to the families of the victims. We stand in solidarity, support the work of the rescue teams, and wish speedy recovery to the injured.
The earthquake struck at a time of particularly strained relations between Greece and Turkey. In December, the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, threatened to strike Athens with short-range ballistic missile unless “you stay calm.”
“Greece is afraid of our missiles. They say that the TAYFUN missile will hit Athens, it will, unless you stay calm,” the leader told supporters.
Indicative of the state of relations, anti-Erdogan graffiti has appeared in the upmarket neighbourhood of Kolonaki in Athens, not far from the home of the Greek prime minister.
