The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants released the latest figures on Lebanese casualties of the recent earthquake in Turkey.
The Lebanese embassy in Ankara has reported that the number of fatalities is currently at 9, with 3 of the deceased bodies having been transported back to Lebanon, and the other 6 buried in Turkey, at the request of the families.
Additionally, 6 people are still missing and presumed to be under the rubble, while 70 have been confirmed as safe or rescued.
The embassy has also noted that there are 40 people whose names have been circulated on social media as Lebanese, but some of them may actually be Syrian or Palestinian.
A Lebanese father and daughter were confirmed dead in Turkey,
Missing Bassel Habkouk was rescued from under the rubble of a hotel in Turkey but two other Lebanese who were staying there too were reportedly heard alive but not rescued and are still missing.
A Lebanese novelist and activist, along with her 3 sons and grandson were killed in Turkey, and a Lebanese father and son were rescued but the mother didn’t make it.
Four bodies of members of the Ajaj family were pulled from the rubble. Their funeral was held in Turkey.
The embassy continues to provide updates on the situation and is actively gathering information about the fate of Lebanese citizens affected by the earthquake.
On February 6th, 2023, two devastating earthquakes struck Turkey with magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.5. The earthquakes caused widespread damage in both Turkey and Syria, resulting in tens of thousands of fatalities and many injuries. The impact was felt across Lebanon, with shockwaves reaching as high as 5 magnitude and subsequent tremors.
On February 20th, 2023, another two earthquakes hit southern Turkey, with a magnitude of 6.4 and 5.8 just minutes apart.
