Latvian leaders express sorrow over Türkiye quake disaster

By Ahmet Gencturk

ANKARA (AA) – Top Latvian leaders visited the Turkish Embassy in the capital Riga to convey their condolences and express solidarity after Monday’s deadly earthquakes.

President Egils Levits signed the book of condolences, wishing strength to the families affected by the tragedy and all rescuers engaged in efforts to save precious lives, the Latvian presidency said in a tweet on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins also wrote a message and said in a tweet later: “My heartfelt condolences to the people of Türkiye for the loss of life and destruction of livelihoods following the devastating earthquake that have brought pain and sorrow to so many. Our people stand by yours.”

In a tweet, Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics also “expressed sorrow over so many deaths in the tragic earthquake in Türkiye.”

More than 16,700 people have been killed and over 64,100 injured after two strong earthquakes jolted southern Türkiye on Monday, according to latest official figures.

The magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 quakes, centered in the Kahramanmaras province, have impacted some 13 million people across 10 Turkish provinces.​​​​​​​