World leaders voice solidarity with Ankara as 7.4 magnitude quake hits southern Türkiye

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ISTANBUL (AA) - World leaders on Monday expressed their support for Türkiye as a 7.4 magnitude quake hit the country's southern and southeastern regions, killing at least 284 people.

"Deeply saddened to hear this morning about the devastating earthquake hitting parts of Türkiye and Syria. My deepest condolences to the many families that lost lives and wishing a fast recovery of the injured," European Council President Charles Michel said on Twitter.

"The EU stands in full solidarity with you," Michel underscored.

Roberta Metsola, European Parliament president, also tweeted: "Deeply saddened after the terrible earthquake at the Turkish-Syrian border. My thoughts are with those killed, those trapped, those injured & with all rescuers doing their utmost to save lives."

"Europe stands with the people of Türkiye and Syria at this moment of distress," Metsola said.

Voicing full solidarity with Türkiye, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said on Twitter: "I am in touch with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, and NATO Allies are mobilizing support now."

Extending condolences to Turkish people "with whom France stands alongside," French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said on Twitter: "Of course, France is available to help."

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also gave a message to provide assistance, tweeting: "We stand by the Turkish people in this difficult time. We are ready to provide the necessary assistance to overcome the consequences of the disaster."

"We convey our best wishes to the citizens and all our Turkish friends who were affected by the earthquake that occurred in Kahramanmaras and felt in many cities, and we hope to overcome this disaster with the least damage," the Russian Embassy in Ankara said on Twitter.

"Our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery to the injured," it added.

At least 284 people were killed and 2,323 others injured after a strong earthquake jolted southern Türkiye on Monday morning, according to Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay.

Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said the 7.4 magnitude quake struck at 4.17 a.m. (0117GMT) and was centered in the Pazarcik district in Türkiye’s southern province of Kahramanmaras.

The quake occurred at a depth of 7 kilometers (4.3 miles).