Erdogan: It was 'not possible' to prepare for earthquake disaster

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said there had been "shortcomings" in his government's response to Monday's earthquakes.

"Of course, there are shortcomings. The conditions are clear to see," he said, speaking to press from the southeast of the country, the area most afflicted by the disaster.

"It's not possible to be ready for a disaster like this."

There has been mounting criticism of the speed at which the government responded to the quakes.

Many eyewitnesses, speaking to MEE, have said that the aid efforts particularly in Hatay were insufficient in the first 48 hours of the disaster.