___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A second massive earthquake rips through south-central Türkiye and neighbouring Syria with the tremors felt hundreds of kilometres away in several other countries. The devastating quakes are the most powerful Türkiye has seen in 84 years, leaving more than 1,500 confirmed dead and over 9 thousand injured there. At least 538 people die from the quake, in neighboring Syria, which has been ravaged by some of the heaviest aftershocks leaving thousands injured, with scores more trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings.
Alper Kucuk reports by phone and says the disaster is complicated by other factors including cold and snow. Kenan Akbayram reports and says urgent international assistance is needed.
In Syria the situation is truly dire and hampered by lack of equipment. Vanessa Beeley reports from Damascus. “The most terrifying night ever, having suffered from the war”
–
Russia has sent aid and emergency rescue teams to Syria and Turkiye (and is dispatching more) Pres. Putin sent condolences to both countries over the tragedy / disaster.
Shocks from the earthquake could be felt in Israel who are sending aid to Turkiye and have offered help to Syria too.
–
Tremors could be felt also in Iraq where Russia’s FM Lavrov is meeting President Abdul Latif Rashid and Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani and with his counterpart Fuad Hussein to discuss trade, bilateral ties and political, military and cultural cooperation. He is grateful to Iraq for not imposing sanctions. It’s part of a scheduled tour. Vera Gaufman reports on the day, which is almost exactly 20 years since NATO invaded Iraq on false pretences. (see “the Weekly” from yesterday for series part 2, which will continue for a while to report on million and more dead in the illegal Iraq War.)
–
Palestine (Gaza) / Israel. Palestine accuses Israel of not allowing cancer patients to travel abroad for treatment. Ahed Imtirat (Physicians for Human Rights) reports.
–
Africa: Kenya. Four volunteers have been killed by Al-Shabaab militants from South Sudan. A joint effort with Ethiopia is needed to eliminate the terrorists. Ngala Chome (political analyst) reports.
–
Rolling news is available on RT Rumble’s channel for updates on the earthquake tragedy and more, including excellent documentaries. https://rumble.com/vwbbjn-putin-announces-special-operation-in-donbass-special-coverage.html?mref=6zof&mrefc=13
Rose Rambles... 