Turkey: Death toll rises to 38 following 6.6-magnitude earthquake January 26 /update 4

Event

Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) confirmed on Sunday, January 26, that at least 38 people were killed and 1,607 others hospitalized following an earthquake that struck near Doğanyol (Malatya province) on Friday, January 24. According to AFAD, most of the fatalities and infrastructural damages were spread across Malatya and Elazığ provinces, including at least 1521 buildings. While 45 people have been rescued from the debris so far, rescue and recovery operations are still ongoing as of Sunday.

Originally recorded as 6.8, the earthquake's magnitude was later revised to 6.6 by the Kandilli Observatory.

Aftershocks are possible in the affected area over the coming hours and days.

Advice

Individuals in the affected area are advised to monitor the situation and prepare for potential aftershocks.

In the event of aftershocks, individuals are advised to protect themselves as much as possible from falling debris if indoors (e.g. under a table), move away from windows, and not attempt to leave a building unless there is an immediate danger. If outdoors, move away from tall buildings, utility wires, and streetlights.