President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedow today sent deep condolences to the leaders of Türkiye and Syria, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Bashar al-Assad, in connection with the devastating earthquake that caused numerous casualties and injuries.

On the behalf of the people and Government of the country and also, on his own behalf, the President of Turkmenistan conveyed words of sincere empathy and support at this difficult moment to all families and friends of the victims, and also wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured, announced the “Watan” news program of Turkmen television.

According to mass media, the earthquake that occurred today in the southeast of Türkiye was felt in 10 provinces.

According to the US Geological Survey, the first earthquake of magnitude 7,8 occurred at 04:17 local time, the source lay at a depth of 17,9 km near the city Gaziantep in southeastern Türkiye.

More than 40 aftershocks followed the first earthquake, according to the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority.

The second earthquake of magnitude 76 hit the southeastern Turkish region of Kahramanmaras.

Turkish authorities reported that the second earthquake occurred at a depth of 7 km. Its epicenter was in the Elbistan region of Kahramanmarash province.

Two earthquakes have claimed the lives of more than 2600 people in Türkiye and neighboring Syria. According to the latest data, in Türkiye the number of victims of the earthquake has risen to 1651 people and more than 1000 in Syria. The death toll could be much higher.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the incident the biggest natural disaster for the republic since 1939. In this regard, Türkiye has declared the highest level of alert, which provides for international assistance.