At least 5,000 dead after Syria, Turkey earthquakes

A significant 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday has killed at least 5,000 people.

As the death toll from a series of earthquakes in Turkey and Syria continues to climb, countries are scrambling to send resources.

The European Union was first to respond, sending search and rescue teams hours after the initial earthquake hit.

Search and rescue teams have also been mobilized from NATO.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also responded to the fatal earthquake in Turkey and Syria saying Canada stands ready to help.

In a tweet, Trudeau described the reports and images from both countries devastating and extended his thoughts to those affected.

The reports and images from Turkey and Syria are devastating. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by these major earthquakes, and our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones. Canada stands ready to provide assistance.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 6, 2023

READ MORE: Residents report shaking after earthquake hits Buffalo, N.Y.

Officials say it’s complicating the search for survivors, hundreds of which are still believed to be trapped in rubble of over 2,800 collapsed buildings.

The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said offers for help had been received from 45 countries in the aftermath.

Residents say it took almost two minutes for the shaking to stop, and the quake was followed by several aftershocks.

The quake was felt as far away as Cyprus where several small tsunamis were reported.