Putin offers condolences to Erdogan and Assad after devastating earthquake

Russian President Vladimir Putin Express “deepest condolences” to his Turkish and Syrian counterparts after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake killed hundreds in both countries on Monday morning.

“We share the grief and pain of those who lost loved ones and loved ones,” Putin said. said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in a message posted on the Kremlin’s website.

He noted the “many deaths and widespread devastation” in a separate message to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

At least 284 people have died in predominantly Kurdish areas of Turkey near Gaziantep and 392 in Syrian territories controlled by Assad and pro-Turkish factions, according to authorities and voluntary organisations.

Thousands more are believed to have been injured, as buildings collapsed and rescue efforts continued in adverse weather conditions.

Putin said Moscow was ready to “provide the necessary assistance to deal with the consequences of this natural disaster”.

Russian Ministry of Emergencies said separately that it has put two transport planes and firefighting planes on standby with 100 rescuers to help with relief efforts in Turkey.