ANKARA, TURKEY — On Friday, the Philippine Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, confirmed the death of two Filipinos caused by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
The two victims were first reported as missing in Antakya, one of the hardest-hit cities in Hatay province.
“It is with deepest regret that the embassy must inform the public of the passing of two Filipinos, both earlier reported to be missing in Antakya,” the embassy said in a statement.
“The embassy and the consulate general express their deepest condolences and are in coordination with the victims’ families in both the Philippines and in Türkiye,” it added.
Meanwhile, the embassy also confirmed that another Filipino reported missing in Antakya was found alive. The survivor is one of the more than 10 Filipino families who have been evacuated and transferred to Ankara for shelter.
According to the Philippine Embassy, there are around 248 Filipinos based in the affected region in Turkey.
Meanwhile, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced on Thursday that they created a task force and command center to monitor OFWs in based Turkey.
The DMW said it would stay in constant communication with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for possible repatriation flights.
DMW Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac said some of the agency’s relief efforts include immediate medical and welfare assistance.
For those who need assistance or updates on their families in the earthquake-affected areas, Cacdac encourages them to contact the DMW hotline at 1348, or 02-1348 for those who are outside Manila, and +632-1348 for those outside the country.
Turkey-Siria earthquake death toll reaches 21,000
In the latest data from authorities, the confirmed death toll of the killer earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria has reached nearly 21,000. The number far surpasses the 18,400 people killed in March 2011 by Japan’s Fukushima magnitude 9.0 earthquake that triggered a tsunami.
The Monday earthquake was the deadliest Turkey had seen since 1939 when 33,000 people died in the eastern Erzincan province. – WhatALife!
Also read: Indonesia earthquake kills more than 160 people, most were children
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