Turkey-Syria earthquake updates: Death toll climbs to over 41,000

The Feb. 6 quake was centered in Turkey's southeastern Kahramanmaras province.

ByMelissa Gaffney, Morgan Winsor, Emily Shapiro, Ivan Pereira, Meredith Deliso, Nadine El-Bawab, and Kevin Shalvey
Last Updated: February 15, 2023, 8:35 AM EST

More than 41,000 people are dead after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked southeastern Turkey and northwestern Syria on Feb. 6, according to Turkish and Syrian officials.

The pre-dawn quake was centered in the town of Pazarcik in Turkey's southeastern Kahramanmaras province and was followed by several powerful aftershocks. Thousands of buildings were toppled on both sides of the border, and the death toll continued to rise as rescue workers searched for survivors in the massive piles of rubble.

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook central Turkey early Monday and was followed by a strong aftershock.
Associated Press Staff/AP

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Here's how the new is developing. All times Eastern.
Feb 08, 2023, 5:21 PM EST

3 Americans killed in Turkey by earthquake: State Department

Three U.S. citizens have been identified as among the more than 12,000 victims of the devastating earthquake that rocked Turkey and Syria this week, the State Department confirmed Wednesday.

"We can confirm reports of at least three U.S. citizens killed in southeastern Türkiye," a State Department spokesperson said. "Our staff in Türkiye and here in the United States are working tirelessly to provide consular assistance to these victims and their family members."

The State Department is working closely with local authorities and other partner organizations to assist U.S. citizens in affected areas, the spokesperson added.

-ABC News' Shannon Crawford

Feb 08, 2023, 2:57 PM EST

Death toll tops 12,000 in Turkey, Syria

Monday's massive earthquake and powerful aftershocks have killed at least 9,057 people and injured 40,910 others in southeastern Turkey, according to the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority.

A man carries the body of a family member who died in a devastating earthquake that rocked Syria and Turkey at a cemetery in the town of Jinderis, Aleppo province, Syria, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023.
Ghaith Alsayed/AP

Meanwhile, at least 2,962 people were killed and 4,654 others were injured in both government- and rebel-controlled areas of northwestern Syria, according to combined figures from the Syrian Ministry of Health and the Syrian civil defense and medical group that operates in opposition-held areas, known as the White Helmets.

-ABC News’ Joe Simonetti and Will Gretsky

Feb 08, 2023, 2:41 PM EST

Biden offers 'deepest condolences' to Turkey, Syria

President Joe Biden offered his thoughts and prayers on behalf of Americans following the deadly earthquake in Turkey and Syria during an event in Wisconsin Wednesday afternoon.

"It's one of the worst earthquakes in that region in over 100 years and we mourn the loss of so many lives and we offer our deepest condolences," he said.

Biden also commented on the "amazing" rescue efforts underway.

"You see dads or moms pulling little babies out from underneath this rubble," he said. "So many people dying. And our thoughts are also with the survivors who've been torn apart by this tragedy."

-ABC News' Justin Gomez

Feb 08, 2023, 12:50 PM EST

Turkey stock exchange suspended

Istanbul's stock exchange operator suspended trading for five days in an unprecedented step and announced that all trades that took place on Wednesday would be canceled in the wake of the earthquake.

"Due to the increase in volatility and extraordinary price movements after the earthquake disaster; in order to ensure the reliable, transparent, efficient, stable, fair and competitive functioning of the markets, Equity Market and Equity & Index Derivatives in the Derivatives Market have been closed," Borsa Istanbul, the stock exchange operator, said in a statement on Wednesday.

-ABC News' Will Gretsky