Turkey, Syria earthquake deadliest seismic event in 10 years

Officials have declared Monday’s catastrophic earthquake in Turkey and Syria the deadliest seismic event in more than a decade, as the death toll continues to climb.

The number of people reported dead has climbed past 11,000 this morning, with over 7,100 people dead in Turkey and approximately 2,550 people reported dead in Syria.

The magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck in southeastern Turkey and northern Syria, toppling numerous buildings and trapping people underneath the rubble.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a visit to the area where the quake struck and said there were shortfalls in the area emergency response during the first day.

But with search teams and aid pledges pouring in from more than two dozen countries around the world, he said the situation has improved and vowed no one would be left in the streets.

READ MORE: Red Cross to help people in Turkey, Syria following fatal earthquake

A volunteer organizer says what Turkey and Syria really need now is search crews.

With the scale of destruction being so immense and widespread, many are still waiting for help.

The Canadian government has announced $10 million in aid to support earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria.

International Development Minister Harjit Sajjan says Ottawa is conducting a needs assessment for further help.

The federal government is also considering deploying the country’s disaster assistance response team to assist with rescue operations.

READ MORE: Canada to give $10M in aid after deadly Turkey-Syria earthquake