International Desk: The death toll from the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria has crossed to 24,000 on Saturday, reports Al Jazeera.

Read more: Heart Pounding Scenes

The magnitude 7.8 quake hit Turkey and neighbouring Syria early on Monday, toppling thousands of buildings including many apartment blocks, wrecking hospitals, and leaving thousands of people injured or homeless.

Survivors have been left to scramble for food and shelter and in some cases watch helplessly as their relatives called for rescue, and eventually went silent under the debris.

Read more: ChatGPT will change our world

According to the Saturday's statement of Al Jazeera, at least 20,665 deaths have been reported in Turkey, while 3,500 people have died in Syria. The death toll is likely to keep rising.

United Nations said that about 5.3 million people in Syria may be homeless after the earthquakes, while nearly 900,000 people are in urgent need of hot food in Turkey and Syria.

Read more: Two killed as bus hits tree

According to state the media, the Syrian government has approved the delivery of humanitarian aid to quake-hit areas outside its control, according to state media.

The Turkey-Syria border is one of the world's most active earthquake zones.

Read more: Earthquake : Reaction in social media

In 1999, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake killed more than 17,000.

Sun News/MR

Death devastating earthquake Syria Turkey

Copyright © Sunnews24x7

Tweet

2 UPDF men shot to death

PM to aid Bangabazar traders

Earthquake strikes off Peru

Four killed in Syria drone strike