Syria’s death toll from earthquake nears 4,000

In Syria, the total number of fatalities is at least 3,850, including 1,900 in rebel-held areas in the northwest, according to the White Helmets, a volunteer organization that operates in parts of opposition-controlled Syria.

“Death toll from the earthquake in NW Syria has risen to 1,900+ with more than 2,950+. Number is likely to rise significantly, hundreds of families remain under the rubble of destroyed buildings. Our teams continue search & rescue operations 75 hours after the earthquake,”,” the group tweeted on Thursday morning.

According to local sources, civilians were stuck under the rubble for hours due to the lack of rescue teams in several villages such as Atarib, Besnia, Jindires, Maland, Salqin, and Sarmada.

The residents have participated in the rescue efforts to recover people trapped under rubble since no diggers, machineries or rescue teams have been sent to these areas. (ILKHA)