Overnight update

As we approach the 72-hour mark since the first earthquake hit, rescue workers are on a race against time to save as many people as possible from under the rubble.

The death toll has climbed up to more than 12,000 people, as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan acknowledged shortcomings in Ankara’s response saying, “It’s not possible to be ready for a disaster like this.”

In northwestern Syria, among those killed are several members of the Syria Civil Defence group, also known as the White Helmets, which has been spearheading rescue efforts in the rebel-held area.

Twitter access was restricted across the country, which provoked an outcry from campaigners who said the move could hinder rescue efforts in the afflicted southeast. But Twitter CEO Elon Musk said that he was informed by the Turkish government that service would be restored.

The European Union has meanwhile announced a donor conference for both Syria and Turkey to help raise funds for the relief effort.

However, while aid has been pouring in from across the world and the UN, limited aid has reached northwestern Syria according to officials and humanitarian workers who spoke to MEE. Read more here.

In order to address this, Turkey's foreign minister said Ankara is working on opening two more border gates to Syria to enable the flow of humanitarian aid.

MEE will continue updating you on the aftermath of the earthquakes. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for the latest news.