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At least 12,873 were killed and 62,937 injured after the devastating earthquakes that shook southern Turkey on Monday, the Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate (AFAD) said today, as quoted by Anadolu Agency.

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The earthquake in Turkey and Syria 216

The magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 earthquakes, centered in Kahramanmaras County, were felt in nine other counties, affecting at least 13 million people.

More than 113,200 people are participating in search and rescue operations for victims of the earthquakes, AFAD said in a statement.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday inspected rescue operations in Adana and Hatay districts, as well as in Pazardzuk city, Kahramanmaras district, where the epicenter of the strongest earthquake was.

He met with those affected by the earthquake in tent cities, writes BTA.

Over 15,000 are already the victims of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria

A three-month state of emergency has been declared in Kahramanmaras County and other counties most affected by the earthquakes

Several countries in the region, including Syria and Lebanon, felt the strong tremors that shook Turkey within less than 10 hours on Monday.

The victims of the devastating earthquake on the Turkish-Syrian border and the subsequent aftershocks reached 16,000 people, reported AFP. 

Thousands of people in Syria are still missing, and there is still an urgent need for heavy equipment to clear the debris.

The long-standing civil war and international sanctions hinder the provision of aid to the affected areas.

The earthquake in Turkey and Syria