The head of Syria’s opposition-run Civil Defense Service said on Tuesday that time was running out to rescue hundreds of families trapped under the rubble of buildings damaged by Monday’s earthquake.
Raed al-Saleh told Reuters that urgent help from international groups was needed for a rescue effort by an organization called the White Helmets in rebel-held northwest Syria, where hundreds have been killed and wounded.
“Every second means saving a life and we call on all humanitarian organizations to provide material assistance and respond immediately to this disaster,” he added.
A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria early Monday, toppling apartment blocks, destroying hospitals and leaving thousands injured or homeless.
At least 1,444 people have been killed and about 3,500 wounded in Syria, according to figures from the Damascus government and rescue workers in the rebel-controlled northwestern region.