Winter weather hampers resecue efforts as Turkey, Syria earthquake death toll passes 5,000

Here are Tuesday’s main points so far: 

• Rescuers worked to pull more survivors from the rubble as cold, snowy conditions shorten the time needed to save lives.
• The earthquake wreaked new damage and suffering in Syria’s last rebel-held enclave after years of fighting and bombardment.
• Dozens of countries are sending experts and aid to help rescue efforts.
• The head of the World Health Organization says the UN health agency is sending three chartered flights of medical supplies, including surgical trauma kits, to both Turkey and Syria from its logistics hub in Dubai.

How to get aid to earthquake survivors as fast as possible

When it comes to rapid, emergency disaster relief, aid organisations play a crucial, life-saving role. But how do they mobilise on the ground and deliver vital help as quickly and effectively as possible? And how do they determine where the help is needed most urgently? 

Read more at our story here: 

What are the challenges in getting aid to Turkey and Syria quickly?

Turkey deploys thousands of rescue workers 

Turkey has deployed more than 24,400 search and rescue personnel to the quake area.

The number was expected to rise with the arrival of additional personnel though the wintry conditions were hampering their deployment, disaster management agency official Orhan Tatar said.

“The adverse weather conditions continue in the region. Therefore, from time to time it may be difficult to transport these search and rescue teams to the region,” he said.

Temperatures overnight in the quake-hit city of Gaziantep sank to -5 C. 

(AP)