Russian president and US president expresses condolences over deadly earthquakes in Türkiye

ANKARA : Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday conveyed his condolences to his Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the wake of powerful deadly earthquakes that southern Türkiye.

US President Joe Biden conveyed his condolences to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday in the wake of powerful earthquakes in southern Türkiye.

In a phone call with Erdogan, Biden expressed his condolences for those who lost their lives in the quakes and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, Türkiye’s Communications Directorate said in a statement.

According to a White House readout of the phone call, Biden reaffirmed the readiness of the US “to provide any and all needed assistance to our NATO Ally Türkiye in response to this tragedy.”

“He noted that U.S. teams are deploying quickly to support Turkish search and rescue efforts and coordinate other assistance that may be required by people affected by the earthquakes, including health services or basic relief items,” said the White House.

In a phone call with Erdogan, Putin expressed sympathy on death of hundreds of people and wished recovery for the injured, Türkiye’s Communications Directorate said in a statement.

“During the phone call, Russian President Putin also provided information on Russia’s support to Türkiye in search and rescue and disaster relief,” it added.

At least 1,498 people were killed and 8,533 others injured in 10 provinces after two strong earthquakes jolted southern Türkiye.

Early Monday morning, a strong 7.7 earthquake, centered in the Pazarcik district, jolted Kahramanmaras and heavily affected several provinces, including Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Diyarbakir, Adana, Adiyaman, Malatya, Osmaniye, Hatay, and Kilis.

A new 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck Kahramanmaras at 13.24 p.m. (1024GMT) again, which was centered in the Elbistan district this time. — AA

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