Evening update
The death toll continues to rise in both southern Turkey and Syria after two earthquakes with a magnitude of more than seven hit the countries. As of this latest update, more than 3,700 people have been killed across both countries.
In Turkey, the death toll currently stands at 2,316, while an additional 13,293 have been injured, according to the country's disaster management agency, Afad. It was the deadliest earthquake in Turkey's history since 1999.
In Syria, at least 1,444 people were killed and about 3,500 injured, according to figures from the Bashar al-Assad government and rescue workers in the rebel-held northwestern region of the country.
The Turkish government has deployed thousands of search and rescue workers to aid in relief efforts, however, experts told MEE that many of the survivors face several dangerous challenges, including the risk of hypothermia.
Meanwhile, international assistance has been pouring in, as many countries are sending resources to Turkey to aid people in need. The US has sent two, 79-person teams to assist Turkey in rescue efforts, and also dispatched a team of disaster response specialists.
Aid from Gulf countries is also coming to both Turkey and Syria. The UAE said it would dispatch search and rescue teams to both countries, establish a field hospital in Turkey and send emergency supplies to Syria. Dubai also pledged $13m in humanitarian aid to Syria.
Qatar has said it was sending a search and rescue team and hospital equipment to Turkey.
In addition to killing thousands of people, the quakes have also caused devastating damage to the area's infrastructure. In Turkey, 6,217 buildings were destroyed, according to Orhan Tatar, director general of earthquake and risk reduction at AFAD.
Homes, hospital buildings, roads, and schools have collapsed, creating an even more difficult situation for relief workers. The UN said that disruptions, including blocked roads and power cuts, were complicating efforts for the world body to provide aid to refugees and displaced people in Turkey and Syria.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared a national week of mourning for the country.
MEE will continue to provide updates. To stay informed on the latest from the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.