Wreckage of an apartment block in southern Turkey touted to be 'earthquake proof' has become focal point of people's anger. When it was opened decades ago, the Ronesans Rezidans, was advertised as "a piece of paradise" and claimed to be earthquake-proof. But it toppled last week in the earthquake. Hundreds are feared dead at the location.

Survivors stand by the pile of debris that was the 249-apartment block waiting for news of loved ones as hopes of their survival fade.

"My brother lived here for ten years... It was said to be earthquake safe, but you can see the result," said 47-year-old jeweller Hamza Alpaslan. He was quoted by Reuters.

"It was introduced as the most beautiful residence in the world. It's in horrible condition. There is neither cement nor proper iron in it. It's a real hell," he added.

The earthquake in Turkey has killed 43,000 people till now. It has left millions homeless. Turkish citizens are expressing anger at what they see as corrupt building practices and flawed urban development.

Turkey's Urbanisation Ministry estimates 84,700 buildings have collapsed or are severely damaged.

While the Ronesans Rezidans, which translates as "Renaissance Residence", crumbled, several older buildings near the block still stood.

"We rented this place as an elite place, a safe place," said Sevil Karaabduloglu, whose two daughters are under the rubble.

Missing Ghanaian international footballer Christian Atsu who played for local team Hatayspor is also believed to have lived in the complex.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Wreckage of an apartment block in southern Turkey touted to be 'earthquake proof' has become focal point of people's anger. When it was opened decades ago, the Ronesans Rezidans, was advertised as "a piece of paradise" and claimed to be earthquake-proof.

Wreckage of an apartment block in southern Turkey touted to be 'earthquake proof' has become focal point of people's anger. When it was opened decades ago, the Ronesans Rezidans, was advertised as "a piece of paradise" and claimed to be earthquake-proof. But it toppled last week in the earthquake. Hundreds are feared dead at the location. Survivors stand by the pile of debris that was the 249-apartment block waiting for news of loved ones as hopes of their survival fade. "My brother lived here for ten years... It was said to be earthquake safe, but you can see the result," said 47-year-old jeweller Hamza Alpaslan. He was quoted by Reuters. "It was introduced as the most beautiful residence in the world. It's in horrible condition. There is neither cement nor proper iron in it. It's a real hell," he added. The earthquake in Turkey has killed 43,000 people till now. It has left millions homeless. Turkish citizens are expressing anger at what they see as corrupt building practices and flawed urban development. Turkey's Urbanisation Ministry estimates 84,700 buildings have collapsed or are severely damaged. While the Ronesans Rezidans, which translates as "Renaissance Residence", crumbled, several older buildings near the block still stood. "We rented this place as an elite place, a safe place," said Sevil Karaabduloglu, whose two daughters are under the rubble. Missing Ghanaian international footballer Christian Atsu who played for local team Hatayspor is also believed to have lived in the complex. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Turkey: Residents fume beside collapsed 'earthquake proof' apartment complex

10 days after the deadly earthquakes, survivors are still being rescued from the rubble. We bring you their stories of hope and despair.

WION Wideangle | Turkiye-Syria Earthquakes: Stories of hope and despair

Syria was grappling with the aftermath of some massive earthquake, but now the Syrians have to deal with floods also. After the earthquake a dam collapsed in a small town in Northwestern Syria which is near the Turkish border.

Syria: Authorities have reported 5,800 deaths

A teenage girl was pulled alive from the rubble in Turkey more than 10 days after an earthquake that has killed more than 39,000 people in the country and neighboring Syria, as families of those still missing await news of their fate.

Teenager rescued from rubble in Turkey 10 days after earthquake

Convoy of United Nations truck carrying aid was allowed to pass through the newly reopened Bab al-Hawa border, crossing into rebel-held North Syria where help has been slow to arrive since last week's earthquake.

New aid-route into rebel-held Syria opens, convoy of 11 UN aid trucks enter country

After the cyclone, an earthquake hit New Zealand. A magnitude 6.1 earthquake jolted the northwest of Wellington, NZ. The tremors were felt at a depth of 48 km (30 miles), government seismic monitor Geonet stated.

Another devastating calamity hits New Zealand

After flash floods, New Zealand on Wednesday recorded a strong 5.7 magnitude earthquake with the epicentre being located in the Cook Strait— between the country's two main islands.

According to reports, tremors were felt in the capital Wellington city at 7.38 pm with residents feeling a sudden jolt and buildings being swayed. The earthquake is said to have lasted for 20-30 seconds.

Preliminary data by the US Geological Survey revealed that the quake was located at a moderately shallow depth of 57.4 km and was centred 50km north-west of Paraparaumu.

"A big shake there! A magnitude 6.0, 57 km deep, 50 km north-west of Paraparaumu was widely felt in the North Island," said New Zealand's Civil Defence agency.

There were no immediate reports of damage, and no tsunami warning has been issued.

The quake came as the cleanup gets underway from a devastating cyclone, which killed four people and caused widespread damage across the North Island.

"It is already a really stressful time for people -- look after yourself and the people around you," said the civil defence agency.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After flash floods, New Zealand on Wednesday recorded a strong 5.7 magnitude earthquake with the epicentre being located in the Cook Strait— between the country's two main islands.

After flash floods, New Zealand on Wednesday recorded a strong 5.7 magnitude earthquake with the epicentre being located in the Cook Strait— between the country's two main islands. According to reports, tremors were felt in the capital Wellington city at 7.38 pm with residents feeling a sudden jolt and buildings being swayed. The earthquake is said to have lasted for 20-30 seconds. Preliminary data by the US Geological Survey revealed that the quake was located at a moderately shallow depth of 57.4 km and was centred 50km north-west of Paraparaumu. "A big shake there! A magnitude 6.0, 57 km deep, 50 km north-west of Paraparaumu was widely felt in the North Island," said New Zealand's Civil Defence agency. There were no immediate reports of damage, and no tsunami warning has been issued. The quake came as the cleanup gets underway from a devastating cyclone, which killed four people and caused widespread damage across the North Island. "It is already a really stressful time for people -- look after yourself and the people around you," said the civil defence agency. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Flood-hit New Zealand rocked by 5.7 magnitude jolt

After an assistance request from the Syrian government, a 40-member contingent of Indian army personnel, deployed as UN peacekeepers, has been sent to Aleppo to provide relief in the aftermath of the earthquake. The Indian team will be undertaking multiple trips to transport relief material consisting of rations, medical supplies, clothing, and other aid sent by the Government of India and the international community.

The Indian army personnel&nbsp;are&nbsp;deployed as UN peacekeepers at the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) mission, and are stationed along the Area of Separation (AOS) between the boundaries of the occupied Golan Heights (by Israel) and Syria. The Indian Army has deployed 180 personnel to provide logistics support to the mission.

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The Indian government approved the proposal for Indian Army personnel stationed in UNDOF to provide direct assistance in earthquake relief work. On February 15, the first convoy transported relief material consisting of rations and medicines, pooled from the Indian government and the international community to Aleppo in Syria. The relief material has been handed over to representatives of the local administration at Aleppo.

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An advance party reached Aleppo on February 12&nbsp;and liaised with Dr Maher, the Governorate Council of Aleppo, and the Governor of Aleppo. The Governor thanked the Indian team for their kind gesture and mentioned that relief material was the most required at this time.

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India has also launched Operation Dost to provide support to both Turkey and Syria. Indian military teams and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel are already in Turkey for relief measures.

The death toll from the catastrophic earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday last week has risen to 41,000. Even though it has been over a week, still, the stories of brave survivors continue to emerge from the piles of rubble.&nbsp;

Weather too is not a friend in these tough times as freezing temperatures are hampering the rescue operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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After an assistance request from the Syrian government, a 40-member contingent of Indian army personnel, deployed as UN peacekeepers, has been sent to Aleppo to provide relief in the aftermath of the earthquake.

After an assistance request from the Syrian government, a 40-member contingent of Indian army personnel, deployed as UN peacekeepers, has been sent to Aleppo to provide relief in the aftermath of the earthquake. The Indian team will be undertaking multiple trips to transport relief material consisting of rations, medical supplies, clothing, and other aid sent by the Government of India and the international community. The Indian army personnel are deployed as UN peacekeepers at the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) mission, and are stationed along the Area of Separation (AOS) between the boundaries of the occupied Golan Heights (by Israel) and Syria. The Indian Army has deployed 180 personnel to provide logistics support to the mission. Also Read | FDA approves a 'first-of-its-kind' vibrating pill to relieve chronic constipation The Indian government approved the proposal for Indian Army personnel stationed in UNDOF to provide direct assistance in earthquake relief work. On February 15, the first convoy transported relief material consisting of rations and medicines, pooled from the Indian government and the international community to Aleppo in Syria. The relief material has been handed over to representatives of the local administration at Aleppo. Also Read | Hundreds, including same-sex couples, wed in mass ceremony on Valentine's Day in Mexico An advance party reached Aleppo on February 12 and liaised with Dr Maher, the Governorate Council of Aleppo, and the Governor of Aleppo. The Governor thanked the Indian team for their kind gesture and mentioned that relief material was the most required at this time. Watch | 'Designer' babies: How far is too far? India has also launched Operation Dost to provide support to both Turkey and Syria. Indian military teams and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel are already in Turkey for relief measures. The death toll from the catastrophic earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday last week has risen to 41,000. Even though it has been over a week, still, the stories of brave survivors continue to emerge from the piles of rubble. Weather too is not a friend in these tough times as freezing temperatures are hampering the rescue operations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian UN peacekeepers deployed in Syria for earthquake relief work in Aleppo

As per reports, Turkey’s Chamber of Geological Engineers had given the government warnings time after time about just such a disaster as that caused by the recent 7.8 magnitude earthquakes.

Did Turkish authorities ignore warnings?

An Indian Army doctor has developed an external fixator for hand fractures which is being used in Turkey and Syria for helping earthquake victims.

Indian Army's healing touch in Turkey

The United Nations says Syria’s president has agreed to open two new crossing points from Turkey to the country’s rebel-held northwest to deliver desperately needed aid and equipment for millions of earthquake victims

Syria opens two crossing points from Turkey

In the aftermath of the earthquake, minimal aid is reaching north-west Syria, the most affected region in the country. On 6 February 2023, an earthquake struck southern and central Turkey, and northern and western Syria. Watch this exclusive report from ground zero.

Aftermath of earthquake in Syria

Let us take a look at stories generating interest across WION's social media channels - A boy aged nine donated his entire savings collected in a piggy bank to support the relief efforts being carried out for the survivors of the latest earthquakes which hit turkey and claimed 35 000 lives so far.

Trending on WION | Turkey Earthquake: 9-year-old boy donates piggy-bank savings to relief funds

The death toll from the deadly Syria-Turkey earthquake has crossed 33,000 mark. The earthquakes have left residents with no water, electricity or shelter. In Syria's quake hit Aleppo, victims narrate their ordeal as to how they survived the quake.

WION in ground zero Syria: Underground infrastructure protects residents from quake

The earthquake is the deadliest in Turkey since 1939. Drone footage of Turkish city of Kahramanmaras revealed the extent of devastation.

Drone Footage of Turkey before and after quake

Rescuers continue to pull out more survivors from the rubble in Turkey and Syria as the death toll earthquakes topped 37,000. The UN Secretary-General has welcomed the decision by the Syrian president to open two further crossing points on the Turkish border to allow more aid into the stricken northwest of the country.

The fallout of Syria-Turkey earthquake

Whether it is fuel or humanitarian aid, several parts of Syria are still awaiting help from other nations in the aftermath of the deadly quakes. WION’s Ghadi Francis reports from Syria.

Why Syria is struggling to get help

Rescuers continue to pull out more survivors from the rubble in Turkey and Syria as the death toll from last week’s earthquakes topped 36,000.The quakes have killed at least 31,643 people in Turkey , and 3500 people in Syria.

Syria: UN holds emergency meeting

The devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria has left more than 35,000 people dead. Now a week after the disaster struck, rescue teams began to shift their focus from searching for survivors to delivering humanitarian aid to hundreds of thousands of those affected.

Turkey-Syria Earthquake: Syria vows to send aid in rebel-held areas

With the death toll and deadly earthquake crossing 37,000, Turkish authorities have begun arresting or detaining a number of property developers.

Turkey-Syria Earthquake: Clampdown on building contractors in Turkey

Syrian President agrees to open two more gates along Turkey

Syria: One week since earthquake, over 35,000 dead

5 days after the tremors, the anger of Turkish citizens is growing against their leader. Turkiye reportedly collected billions in earthquake tax. Turkish citizens are asking: Where did the money go?

Gravitas: Did Turkey misuse Earthquake tax?

Has the world abandoned Syria? While help is pouring in for quake victims in Turkey, aid is barely reaching those battling the aftermath of the very same quake in Syria. What explains this hypocrisy? Priyanka Sharma tells you.

Gravitas | Western hypocrisy: Countries help Turkey, not Syria

Rescuers pulled a 13-year-old out from rubble of a collapsed building. Teenager was rescued more than a week after deadly Turkey quake. The combined death toll rose above 37,000 in Turkey & Syria.

Teenager rescued after 182 hours of Turkey's Quake

The United Nations condemned the failure to deliver urgently needed aid to war-torn regions of Syria, while indicating that&nbsp;the death toll of more than 33,000 from the earthquake that also hit Turkey is set to rise far higher.

UN relief head Martin Griffiths said that much more was required for the millions of people whose houses had been devastated despite the fact that a convoy of supplies for northwest Syria had arrived via Turkey.

"We have so far failed the people in northwest Syria. They rightly feel abandoned. Looking for international help that hasn't arrived," Griffiths said on Twitter.

When assessing the devastation in southern Turkey on Saturday (February 11), when the death toll was at 28,000, Griffiths had told Sky News that he predicted the death toll to "double or more" as the chances of locating survivors dwindled with every passing day.

Also watch |&nbsp;WION in ground zero Syria: Miraculous tales of survival continue

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Supplies have taken a long time to reach Syria, where the country's healthcare system has been devastated by years of war and where rebels fighting President Bashar al-government, Assad's which is subject to Western sanctions, still hold sway in certain regions.

An AFP journalist said that a 10-truck UN convoy entered northwest Syria through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with shelter kits that included plastic sheeting, ropes, screws, and nails in addition to blankets, beds, and carpets.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkiye-syria-earthquake-death-toll-crosses-33000-mark-561253">Turkey-Syria earthquake death toll crosses 33,000 mark</a>

After nearly 12 years of civil conflict, only Bab al-Hawa stays available for humanitarian aid to reach residents in rebel-held regions of Syria after other crossings were shut down as a result of pressure from China and Russia.

When Assad and the head of the World Health Organization met on Sunday in Damascus, Assad expressed his willingness for more border crossings to assist get aid into the rebel-held northwest.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United Nations condemned the failure to deliver urgently needed aid to war-torn regions of Syria, while indicating that the death toll of more than 33,000 from the earthquake that also hit Turkey is set to rise far higher.

The United Nations condemned the failure to deliver urgently needed aid to war-torn regions of Syria, while indicating that the death toll of more than 33,000 from the earthquake that also hit Turkey is set to rise far higher. UN relief head Martin Griffiths said that much more was required for the millions of people whose houses had been devastated despite the fact that a convoy of supplies for northwest Syria had arrived via Turkey. "We have so far failed the people in northwest Syria. They rightly feel abandoned. Looking for international help that hasn't arrived," Griffiths said on Twitter. When assessing the devastation in southern Turkey on Saturday (February 11), when the death toll was at 28,000, Griffiths had told Sky News that he predicted the death toll to "double or more" as the chances of locating survivors dwindled with every passing day. Also watch | WION in ground zero Syria: Miraculous tales of survival continue Supplies have taken a long time to reach Syria, where the country's healthcare system has been devastated by years of war and where rebels fighting President Bashar al-government, Assad's which is subject to Western sanctions, still hold sway in certain regions. An AFP journalist said that a 10-truck UN convoy entered northwest Syria through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with shelter kits that included plastic sheeting, ropes, screws, and nails in addition to blankets, beds, and carpets. Also read | Turkey-Syria earthquake death toll crosses 33,000 mark After nearly 12 years of civil conflict, only Bab al-Hawa stays available for humanitarian aid to reach residents in rebel-held regions of Syria after other crossings were shut down as a result of pressure from China and Russia. When Assad and the head of the World Health Organization met on Sunday in Damascus, Assad expressed his willingness for more border crossings to assist get aid into the rebel-held northwest. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UN acknowledges relief failure in Syria as earthquake toll reaches 33,000

UN relief chief Martin Griffiths said that the death toll of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria may increase to&nbsp;50,000.&nbsp;On Saturday, Griffiths visited the southern city of Kahramanmaras in Turkey, which was the epicentre of the first earthquake of 7.8-magnitude that upturned the lives of millions in Monday's pre-dawn hours.&nbsp;Speaking to Sky News, Griffiths said, “I think it is difficult to estimate precisely as we need to get under the rubble but I'm sure it will double or more. We haven't really begun to count the number of dead.”

According to officials, the death toll currently stands at 34,000. Since six days have passed, there is less probability of people under the debris being found alive.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/48-arrested-in-turkey-for-looting-defrauding-quake-hit-victims-561022">48 arrested in Turkey for looting, defrauding quake-hit victims</a>

<h2>Police detain around 130 contractors over collapsed buildings</h2>

According to the state media, police in quake-hit Turkey have detained around 130&nbsp;contractors after multiple buildings collapsed in the country's south-eastern provinces of Sanliurfa and Gaziantep.

As per the DHA news agency, the people taken into custody includes contractors. Around 6,000 buildings collapsed in the devastating earthquakes that hit the region on Monday, sparking anger in the public over the poor quality of construction.

Police officials are expected to detain more people after Turkey's Vice President Fuat Oktay on Saturday said that 113 arrest warrants have been issued by the prosecutors over the collapse&nbsp;of buildings.

One of the persons detained was a contractor for a collapsed building in Gaziantep, said the agency, adding that the police caught him in Istanbul.

A wave of investigations has been launched by the prosecutors in provinces which have been hit, including Kahramanmaras. The justice ministry has asked the prosecutors to set up special "earthquake crimes investigation offices" in the 10 provinces.

On Friday, another contractor was apprehended by the Turkish police after the high-rise luxury flats, he was associated with, had collapsed in Hatay province.

The police detained him at Istanbul airport when&nbsp;he was trying to flee the country, reports suggested.

<h2>Miracle rescues as toll climbs</h2>

On Saturday, an elderly woman and a two-month-old baby were rescued from the rubble. Thousands of rescue workers are still searching for survivors in flattened neighbourhoods even as the misery of the survivors escalates amid&nbsp;freezing&nbsp;weather. However, amid despair, loss and destruction, stories of miraculous survival continue to emerge.

The rescue workers found a two-month-old baby alive in the city of Antakya, 128 hours after the quake, reported state news agency Anadolu.

Meanwhile, families held each other tightly in grief, as a cotton field was transformed into a cemetery as countless bodies arrived for burial.

WATCH | WION speaks to volunteers in Damascus after deadly earthquake in Turkey, Syria

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<h2>Violence disrupts rescue operations</h2>

Meanwhile, outbreaks of violence in southern Turkey hampered the ongoing rescue operations to find survivors. The search operations were paused by the Austrian army and German rescuers on Saturday, because of fighting between unidentified groups.

Austrian army spokesperson Lt Col Pierre Kugelweis said that altercations between factions in the Hatay province forced the Austrian Forces Disaster Relief Unit's personnel to take shelter in a base camp along with other international organisations.

In a statement, Kugelweis said, “There is increasing aggression between factions in Turkey. The chances of saving a life bears no reasonable relation to the safety risk.”

Turkish Ministry of Defence confirmed that the rescue operation was resumed by Austria after protection was provided by the Turkish army.

Operations were also suspended by Germany’s Federal Agency for Technical Relief (TSW) and the German branch of the search and rescue group Isar, citing similar security concerns.

Isar spokesperson Stefan Heine said, “There are more and more reports of clashes between different factions, shots have also been fired.”

German rescue teams confirmed that the rescue work will be resumed as soon as the situation is declared safe by the Turkish authorities.

(With inputs from agencies)

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UN relief chief Martin Griffiths said that the death toll of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria may increase to 50,000. On Saturday, Griffiths visited the southern city of Kahramanmaras in Turkey, which was the epicentre of the first earthquake of 7.

UN relief chief Martin Griffiths said that the death toll of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria may increase to 50,000. On Saturday, Griffiths visited the southern city of Kahramanmaras in Turkey, which was the epicentre of the first earthquake of 7.8-magnitude that upturned the lives of millions in Monday's pre-dawn hours. Speaking to Sky News, Griffiths said, “I think it is difficult to estimate precisely as we need to get under the rubble but I'm sure it will double or more. We haven't really begun to count the number of dead.” According to officials, the death toll currently stands at 34,000. Since six days have passed, there is less probability of people under the debris being found alive. ALSO READ | 48 arrested in Turkey for looting, defrauding quake-hit victims Police detain around 130 contractors over collapsed buildings According to the state media, police in quake-hit Turkey have detained around 130 contractors after multiple buildings collapsed in the country's south-eastern provinces of Sanliurfa and Gaziantep. As per the DHA news agency, the people taken into custody includes contractors. Around 6,000 buildings collapsed in the devastating earthquakes that hit the region on Monday, sparking anger in the public over the poor quality of construction. Police officials are expected to detain more people after Turkey's Vice President Fuat Oktay on Saturday said that 113 arrest warrants have been issued by the prosecutors over the collapse of buildings. One of the persons detained was a contractor for a collapsed building in Gaziantep, said the agency, adding that the police caught him in Istanbul. A wave of investigations has been launched by the prosecutors in provinces which have been hit, including Kahramanmaras. The justice ministry has asked the prosecutors to set up special "earthquake crimes investigation offices" in the 10 provinces. On Friday, another contractor was apprehended by the Turkish police after the high-rise luxury flats, he was associated with, had collapsed in Hatay province. The police detained him at Istanbul airport when he was trying to flee the country, reports suggested. Miracle rescues as toll climbs On Saturday, an elderly woman and a two-month-old baby were rescued from the rubble. Thousands of rescue workers are still searching for survivors in flattened neighbourhoods even as the misery of the survivors escalates amid freezing weather. However, amid despair, loss and destruction, stories of miraculous survival continue to emerge. The rescue workers found a two-month-old baby alive in the city of Antakya, 128 hours after the quake, reported state news agency Anadolu. Meanwhile, families held each other tightly in grief, as a cotton field was transformed into a cemetery as countless bodies arrived for burial. WATCH | WION speaks to volunteers in Damascus after deadly earthquake in Turkey, Syria Violence disrupts rescue operations Meanwhile, outbreaks of violence in southern Turkey hampered the ongoing rescue operations to find survivors. The search operations were paused by the Austrian army and German rescuers on Saturday, because of fighting between unidentified groups. Austrian army spokesperson Lt Col Pierre Kugelweis said that altercations between factions in the Hatay province forced the Austrian Forces Disaster Relief Unit's personnel to take shelter in a base camp along with other international organisations. In a statement, Kugelweis said, “There is increasing aggression between factions in Turkey. The chances of saving a life bears no reasonable relation to the safety risk.” Turkish Ministry of Defence confirmed that the rescue operation was resumed by Austria after protection was provided by the Turkish army. Operations were also suspended by Germany’s Federal Agency for Technical Relief (TSW) and the German branch of the search and rescue group Isar, citing similar security concerns. Isar spokesperson Stefan Heine said, “There are more and more reports of clashes between different factions, shots have also been fired.” German rescue teams confirmed that the rescue work will be resumed as soon as the situation is declared safe by the Turkish authorities. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Turkey earthquake: 130 contractors detained over collapsed buildings; UN says toll may reach 50,000

Indian envoy to Turkey Dr Virander Paul speaks to WION on India's aid to quake-hit country. Dr Paul says India's focus is on assisting Turkey authorities.

Indian envoy to Turkey speaks to WION

The death toll from the deadly Syria-Turkey earthquake has crossed 28,000. According to the Turkish Vice President, Turkey's death toll climbed to 24,617 and in Syria, the total number of confirmed deaths stands at 3,575.

India's Operation Dost: Syria declares four provinces as disaster zones

In a single city in south-east Turkey, more than 5,000 victims of the devastating earthquake were buried at a mass cemetery on Sunday.&nbsp;

A senior official said that the Kahramanmaras' mass burial ground will eventually become the resting place of the city's 10,000 residents who died in the natural disaster.

A policeman, who lead the burial operation, said that there has been a continuous increase in the number of dead bodies arriving “every day”.

The streets of Kahramanmaras, where once 500,000 people stayed in their homes, have been completely levelled as rescuers continue to pull bodies from the debris of the collapsed buildings after multiple earthquakes rocked the city on Monday.

The authorities have erected white makeshift tents on the edge of the cemetery where the bodies are being cleaned before they are buried in freshly-dug graves.

The mourners were seen crying and screaming cars and vans filled with bodies continued to come to the burial ground. &nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-syria-earthquake-toll-crosses-28000-as-un-relief-chief-predicts-deaths-to-top-50000-561042">Turkey earthquake: Contractors detained over collapsed buildings; UN says toll may reach 50,000</a>

Death toll tops 34,000, as legal action against builders starts&nbsp;

The survivors as well as dead bodies continued to be pulled out of the rubble on Sunday, as authorities in Turkey tried to maintain order across the disaster zone and started legal action against builders over building collapses.

Meanwhile, the total death toll rose above 34,000 and chances of finding more survivors faded. In southern Turkey's Antakya, shops were emptied by business owners who feared that looters will steal their merchandise.&nbsp;

Aid workers and residents said that the security conditions in cities have worsened as collapsed homes and businesses are being robbed.

UN admits failure in providing aid to Syria

On Sunday, the United Nations decried the failure to provide desperately required aid to Syria's war-torn regions, while also warning that the death toll of the earthquake to rise far higher.

WATCH | Turkey-Syria Earthquake | UN: Earthquake a double crisis for Syria

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A UN convoy filled with supplies was sent to northwest Syria through Turkey, however, the agency's relief chief Martin Griffiths said that a lot more aid was needed for millions who had lost their homes in the disaster.

"We have so far failed the people in northwest Syria. They rightly feel abandoned. Looking for international help that hasn't arrived," said Griffiths on Twitter.

Assessing the damage suffered by southern Turkey on Saturday, Griffiths said that the figure is likely to "double or more" in the coming days.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a single city in south-east Turkey, more than 5,000 victims of the devastating earthquake were buried at a mass cemetery on Sunday. A senior official said that the Kahramanmaras' mass burial ground will eventually become the resting place of the city's 10,000 residents who died in the natural disaster.

In a single city in south-east Turkey, more than 5,000 victims of the devastating earthquake were buried at a mass cemetery on Sunday. A senior official said that the Kahramanmaras' mass burial ground will eventually become the resting place of the city's 10,000 residents who died in the natural disaster. A policeman, who lead the burial operation, said that there has been a continuous increase in the number of dead bodies arriving “every day”. The streets of Kahramanmaras, where once 500,000 people stayed in their homes, have been completely levelled as rescuers continue to pull bodies from the debris of the collapsed buildings after multiple earthquakes rocked the city on Monday. The authorities have erected white makeshift tents on the edge of the cemetery where the bodies are being cleaned before they are buried in freshly-dug graves. The mourners were seen crying and screaming cars and vans filled with bodies continued to come to the burial ground. ALSO READ | Turkey earthquake: Contractors detained over collapsed buildings; UN says toll may reach 50,000 Death toll tops 34,000, as legal action against builders starts The survivors as well as dead bodies continued to be pulled out of the rubble on Sunday, as authorities in Turkey tried to maintain order across the disaster zone and started legal action against builders over building collapses. Meanwhile, the total death toll rose above 34,000 and chances of finding more survivors faded. In southern Turkey's Antakya, shops were emptied by business owners who feared that looters will steal their merchandise. Aid workers and residents said that the security conditions in cities have worsened as collapsed homes and businesses are being robbed. UN admits failure in providing aid to Syria On Sunday, the United Nations decried the failure to provide desperately required aid to Syria's war-torn regions, while also warning that the death toll of the earthquake to rise far higher. WATCH | Turkey-Syria Earthquake | UN: Earthquake a double crisis for Syria A UN convoy filled with supplies was sent to northwest Syria through Turkey, however, the agency's relief chief Martin Griffiths said that a lot more aid was needed for millions who had lost their homes in the disaster. "We have so far failed the people in northwest Syria. They rightly feel abandoned. Looking for international help that hasn't arrived," said Griffiths on Twitter. Assessing the damage suffered by southern Turkey on Saturday, Griffiths said that the figure is likely to "double or more" in the coming days. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Turkey earthquake: More than 5,000 victims buried at city's mass cemetery as death toll tops 34,000

WION in ground zero Syria: Aleppo, one of the provinces declared as a disaster zone

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