15,800 dead in Turkey and Syria, thousands trapped under rubble

(Patria) - More than 15,800 people have died in the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday, according to a new report released by officials and rescuers. The World Health Organization (WHO) had previously estimated that the death toll could reach 20,000. In Turkey alone, more than 53,000 people have been injured.

The desperate search for survivors under the rubble has been ongoing for the fourth day. Anger is growing in Turkey over the authorities' slow reaction after the earthquake. Cities have been razed to the ground.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared a three-month state of emergency. He only arrived in the affected areas yesterday and admitted that there were "shortcomings" in his country's response to the devastating earthquake.

Erdogan admitted that there were shortcomings in his country's response to the devastating earthquake that killed more than 15,800 people. The Turkish president is facing increasing criticism from families who are frustrated by the slow reaction of rescue teams, while hope is dwindling that more survivors will be found.