President Erdogan Imposes State of Emergency in Earthquake-Stricken Areas of Turkey

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish President, has declared a three-month state of emergency in 10 provinces affected by a deadly earthquake that has killed over 3,500 people in Turkey and more than 1,600 in Syria.

The announcement was made as the number of fatalities from the two earthquakes that struck a broad region in Turkey and Syria on Monday surpassed 5,000, and rescuers were in a hurry to save people trapped under the debris of fallen buildings.

“We have decided to declare a state of emergency to ensure that operations are carried out rapidly,” Erdogan said in his second speech since the first quake hit early on Monday.

The state of emergency is aimed at facilitating the rescue work and allowing relief workers and financial aid into the affected regions. The state of emergency will end shortly before the elections on May 14, when Erdogan will seek to remain in power.

Rescuers in Turkey are facing heavy rain, snow, and freezing conditions as they search for survivors. The World Health Organization warns that the death toll may increase as rescuers find more victims, and the UN says that many of the dead may be children.

With over 70 nations, including Pakistan, providing aid to Turkey and Syria, quick action would allow for the efficient arrival of rescue teams and financial support to the regions impacted by the earthquake.