Slovakia expresses solidarity after deadly quakes hit Türkiye

By Ahmet Gencturk

ANKARA (AA) - Slovakia expressed solidarity Thursday with Türkiye where 10 southern provinces were hit by two powerful earthquakes earlier this week.

Foreign Minister Rastislav Kacer wrote on Twitter that he was deeply saddened and shaken by the death and destruction caused by the quakes after he signed a book of condolences at the Turkish Embassy in Bratislava.

He conveyed his “deepest condolences go to relatives and friends of the victims” and wished a fast recovery to those who were injured.

"To our partners in Türkiye, Slovakia stands with you in words and deed,” he said. ​​​​​​​

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday that at least 16,710 people were killed and 64,194 injured by the earthquakes Monday that jolted southern Türkiye.

The 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude quakes, centered in the Kahramanmaras province, were felt by 13 million people across 10 provinces, including Adana, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye and Sanliurfa.

Several countries in the region, including Syria and Lebanon, felt strong tremors in the space of less than 10 hours.