The Philippines stands ready to help Turkey and Syria after a strong earthquake struck both countries, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said.
Marcos, in a statement, said the country will extend whatever help it can after the 7.8-magnitude quake in Turkey and Syria caused many deaths and massive destruction.
“Our thoughts and prayers go to the peoples and governments of Türkiye and Syria following the strong earthquake that has claimed many lives and caused massive destruction to their countries," Marcos said on Monday, Feb. 6.
"The Philippines is ready to help in whatever way it can in responding to this disaster,” he added.
Our thoughts and prayers go to the peoples and governments of Türkiye and Syria following the strong earthquake that has claimed many lives and caused massive destruction to their countries. The Philippines is ready to help in whatever way it can in responding to this disaster.
— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) February 6, 2023
The governments of Turkey and Syria reported as of Monday afternoon that more than 500 people died while thousands were injured due to the strong quake.
According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake struck at 4:17 a.m. (0117 GMT) at a depth of about 17.9 kilometers near the Turkish city of Gaziantep, which is home to around two million people.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said its foreign posts in the affected areas continue to reach out to Filipino communities, adding that it has yet to receive reports of Filipino casualties in the provinces of Gaziantep, Hatay, Adana, and Mersin.