Two Massive Earthquakes , Kill Over 2,000, in Turkey and Syria.<br />'The Independent' reports that two massive earthquakes <br />have killed an estimated 2,300 people and wounded <br />thousands of others in Turkey and Syria. .<br />Experts warn that the death toll <br />is likely to rise as search <br />and rescue efforts continue.<br />A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck near the city of <br />Gaziantep, leaving many trapped below rubble before <br />a second 7.5 magnitude tremor struck just hours later.<br />Authorities said <br />that 1,498 thousand people were <br />killed across ten Turkish provinces. .<br />In neighboring Syria, authorities declared over <br />430 people killed and at least another 380 killed <br />in the country's rebel-held northwest.<br />According to natural hazards expert Dr. Steven Godby, <br />the vulnerability of the population combined with <br />winter conditions could make rescue efforts difficult.<br />Unfortunately the death toll <br />is likely to climb quickly, Dr. Steven Godby, Natural hazards expert, via 'The Independent'.<br />The first 24-48 hours is when most people <br />are normally rescued in this situations, <br />but the cold weather may reduce that time. , Dr. Steven Godby, Natural hazards expert, via 'The Independent'.<br />The challenge is further compounded<br />by the fact that there are already large <br />numbers of displaced people in northern <br />Syria as a result of the civil war, Dr. Steven Godby, Natural hazards expert, via 'The Independent'.<br />Dozens of governments around the world have already <br />pledged their support, including rescue teams, funds <br />or other means of aid in response to the disaster.<br />Dozens of governments around the world have already <br />pledged their support, including rescue teams, funds <br />or other means of aid in response to the disaster
