Rescue workers and volunteers search for survivors in the rubble of a collapsed building, in Sanliurfa, Turkey, following a powerful earthquake. Photo: REMI BANET / AFP
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) says there are currently 29 New Zealanders registered on SafeTravel as being in Turkey, which was hit by two powerful earthquakes on Monday.
Rescue efforts are continuing in southern Turkey and northern Syria following the large quakes, which have already claimed more than 3000 lives and left thousands more injured.
The first magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit before sunrise in bitter winter weather. It was followed in the early afternoon by another quake of magnitude 7.7.
Aotearoa New Zealand is deeply saddened to hear of the devastating earthquake impacting Türkiye & northern Syria. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected, including refugees & IDPs. stands with #kiakaha #arohanui @MevlutCavusoglu
— Nanaia Mahuta (@NanaiaMahuta) February 6, 2023
MFAT said the New Zealand embassy in Ankara was in contact with local authorities but there was no information to suggest any New Zealanders had been affected by the earthquakes at this stage.
The ministry encourages New Zealanders travelling or living overseas to register with its SafeTravel website so they can be contacted in the event of emergencies such as natural disasters.
