The death toll in the wake of the major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 in the densely populated region of Marmara, which houses nearly a half of the Turkish population, has topped 10.000. The quake injured some 45.000 people, overwhelming all medical personnel and facilities. Rescue operations are slow due to insufficient staff, while time is running out for those trapped under the rubble, awaiting rescue. The death toll is feared to rise over 30.000.
An aftershock with a 4.6 magnitude was recorded in the area yesterday. Here are the current situations in some of the areas affected, with respect to 3:00pm yesterday.
Kocaeli:
In Kocaeli, the epicentre of the quake, the death toll is 4 thousand 610, and 11 thousand 759 are injured. The State Hospital, with a 264 bed capacity, is nowhere near enough to supply sufficient care, and hundreds of patients were laid out on blankets and carpets outside in the yard. Some were also taken to the area around the İmam Hatip High School's Dormitories. 1450 buildings have totally collapsed, while a 15000 more was seriously damaged.
Istanbul:
The death toll has risen to 984, and the injured to 9 thousand 541. 1752 building were damaged, and 65 reduced do rubble.
Adapazari:
2 thousand 794 people have lost their lives, and 4 thousand was injured in the quake. The crisis centre set up in the city has reported that the decaying bodies still under the rubble present a serious health risk. 500 buildings are in ruins and 1500 partially damaged.
Bolu:
223 were killed and 1119 injured in the suburbs of the city. There was no loss of lives in the centre, where 45 buildings collapsed.
Yalova:
The death toll in Yalova is presently 1300, while 4 thousand 921 was injured. The power is still cut and telephones dead. At 12:35pm yesterday, an aftershock of 4.6 magnitude was recorded.
