US President Joe Biden spoke with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Monday to express condolences over the earthquake that rocked southern Turkey and northern Syria. The latest balance points to more than 3,700 dead and tens of thousands injured in countries linked to the tragedy.
Biden took the opportunity to reaffirm that the United States is ready to help the country rescue the victims who are still under the rubble, reports Reuters.
“Our groups are sent to support Turkish search and rescue efforts. We are also coordinating the work of another Health Services Assistance Group,” the White House communiqué reads, quoted by the news agency.
The President of Turkey announced this Monday, in view of the high death toll and the scenario of destruction that looms in the country, national mourning for seven days.
The first earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale hit around 4:00 am local time on Monday, followed by dozens of aftershocks. It is believed that due to the traces of destruction, the death toll is much higher than recorded.