Earthquake: Momen sends condolence to his Turkey counterpart

Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen expressed his deepest condolences to the government and the people of Türkiye for the tragic end of hundreds of lives in the deadly earthquake that took place in Türkiye early Monday.

Momen, in his condolence message sent to his Turkish counterpart, said, “At this sad moment, our thoughts and prayers are with the brotherly people of Türkiye, as well as with the families of the victims. We pray to the almighty Allah for divine mercy for those who have lost their lives and for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked the southeastern area of Turkey and the northern part of Syria early Monday, killing more than 1,500 people.

Besides, hundreds were still believed to be trapped under debris and the toll was expected to rise as rescue workers searched mounds of wreckage in cities and towns across the area, report AP.

The US Geological Survey said the 7.8 magnitude tremor struck at 04:17 local time (01:17 GMT) at a depth of 17.9km (11 miles) near the city of Gaziantep.

Earlier in the day while talking to private news agency UNB, Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin said the ministry is in touch with the Embassy of Bangladesh in Ankara though it is “less likely” that any Bangladesh citizen will be affected due to the earthquake considering its location.

“We are in touch with our mission,” Seheli Sabrin said.

A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake rocked southeastern Turkey and northern Syria early Monday, toppling hundreds of buildings and killing more than 1,500 people.

Hundreds were still believed to be trapped under rubble, and the toll was expected to rise as rescue workers searched mounds of wreckage in cities and towns across the area, reports AP.

On both sides of the border, residents jolted out of sleep as the pre-dawn quake rushed outside on a cold, rainy and snowy winter night, as buildings were flattened and strong aftershocks continued.