Death toll might exceed 72,000 in major earthquakes, Turkish business group says

Duvar English

In its report entitled “2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquake - Pre-Assessment & Status Report,” Turkish Enterprise and Business Confederation (TÜRKONFED) has said that the death toll might exceed 72,000 in the two major earthquakes that hit southeastern Turkey on Feb. 6.

Basing their estimations on the 1999 earthquake, TÜRKONFED said “we calculate 72,663 casualties… (and) estimate that 193,399 people will be injured.”

The report also estimated 84.1 billion dollars of financial damage due to two major earthquakes at magnitudes of 7.7 and 7.6. 

“The breakdown of this is as follows: 70.75 billion dollars of housing loss, 10.4 billion dollars of national income loss and 2.91 billion dollars of loss of working days,” the report said.

The report also said a migration wave will occur from quake-hit provinces to other provinces of Turkey.

Moreover, the report pointed out that several public and private hospital buildings were collapsed due to quakes. "The need for field hospitals and non-doctor health workers in the field is indicated," it added.

TÜRKONFED represents approximately 50,000 companies across Turkey.

As of Feb. 13, the death toll from devastating earthquakes rose to 31,643.

158,165 people have been evacuated to other provinces.

Women and LGBTI+s disproportionately affected by post-earthquake conditionsHuman Rights

Experts point to growing risk of epidemics in earthquake zonesHealth

Thousands of graves dug in Kahramanmaraş cemetery as quake death toll rises above 20,000Domestic

Demirtaş says earthquake death toll figures false 'like during pandemic'Domestic