Rescue workers and earthquake victims in both Turkey and Syria face an icy night.
On the streets of Pazarcik, close to the epicenter, people warm themselves around bonfires in the streets. Many are still unsure of what has happened to their loved ones.
Waiting for rescue
TV 2 meets Selma and Elif Ustusari, who stand and take the disaster in. They are mother and daughter and live in a one-storey house themselves, but are not allowed to return home.
MOTHER AND DAUGHTER: Here Selma and Elif are on the right in the picture. They have to stay outdoors and don’t know where to go next. Photo: Santiago Vergara S/TV 2.
They say that there are four people lying in the ruins nearby.
– There are four people under there. They’re located, but they can’t get them out. They are waiting for the rescue service, says the daughter, Elif Ustusari to TV 2.
– They have been in the ruins for two days, says Selma Ustusari.
– Life here is over
– How do you feel now?
– There is nothing left of Pazarcik. Everything has crashed and fallen apart. The ground is still moving. Everything has come together. We live outside and have a fire, says Selma.
They are at a loss and do not imagine that they can stay in the city.
IN RUINS: The city is in ruins and the ground is still moving under the many aftershocks. Photo: Santiago Vergara S. /TV 2
– Life is over here. Everyone leaves the city one by one. Everyone gathers their belongings and leaves town. We will also have to leave the city. There is nothing we can do, says daughter Elif.
Unaffordable rescue work
An unknown number of people are still trapped in the ruins. It is a race against time, but the job of getting the help to everyone is insurmountable.
It’s a difficult relationship, and it’s starting to get called. In many places there is no electricity at all.
Those who can travel out of the region. Many are left helpless.
Power outages, closed roads and damage to the infrastructure periodically cause chaotic conditions.
Battle against the clock
Efforts are still being made to find survivors. The rescue workers must make pragmatic judgments when assessing where there is the greatest chance of finding someone alive.
It is becoming urgent for those who are left inside the ruins.
More than 7,200 people have so far been confirmed dead in the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria, according to updated figures from both countries. The death toll is expected to rise.
