The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the death of two Filipinos who were first reported missing after the earthquake in Antakya, Turkey.
“It is with deepest regret that the Embassy must inform the public of the passing of two Filipinos, both earlier reported to be missing in Antakya,” the Philippine Embassy in Turkey said.
“The embassy and Consulate General express their deepest condolences and are in coordination with the victims’ families in both the Philippines and in Turkey,” it added.
The Philippine Embassy said it continues to provide assistance to affected Filipinos after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake.
A total of 34 individuals or 10 families have been evacuated from the city of Antakya and were immediately transferred to Ankara for temporary shelter.
Over 21,000 individuals have been reportedly killed and 8,000 people were injured in Syria and Turkey.
Rescue operations are ongoing to locate additional survivors trapped in collapsed buildings.
Meanwhile, assistance is continuously coming from different countries.
Over 60 countries including the United Kingdom of Great Britain, France and the United States of America have already sent help. The Philippine contingent arrived in Turkey on Thursday for its medical and search and rescue mission. –With reports from Dennis Cortes/KC-ag
