Türkiye’s vice president sends condolences over Northern Cypriot citizens killed in quake

By Harun Kutbe

ANKARA (AA) – Türkiye's vice president Sunday sent a message of condolences to Turkish Cypriot leaders over their citizens who died in this week’s earthquakes in southern Türkiye.

In his message to Ersin Tatar, president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Fuat Oktay said that the passing of the Turkish Cypriots deeply saddens everyone.

"I wish God's grace on those who lost their lives, my condolences to their relatives and all Turkish Cypriot people. I wish a speedy recovery to our injured brothers. Our unity and solidarity will give us even more strength during the healing process of the earthquake."

“I would like to express my gratitude for your warm solidarity in the days we experience this common pain, and express my condolences to all the Turkish Cypriot people," Oktay said in his condolence message sent to TRNC Prime Minister Unal Ustel.

At least 48 Turkish Cypriots lost their lives when two powerful earthquakes hit southern Türkiye last Monday, according to TRNC Prime Ministry.

At least 29,600 people were killed by the two strong earthquakes, according to the latest figures.

Last Monday’s magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 earthquakes, centered in the Kahramanmaras province, affected more than 13 million people across 10 provinces, also including Adana, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye, and Sanliurfa.

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

More than 233,000 search and rescue personnel are currently working in the field, according to the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD).

* Writing by Seda Sevencan​​​​​​​