THE Philippine Embassy in Ankara has confirmed that two Filipinos died in southern Turkey from the powerful Magnitude 7.8 quake that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday.
“It is with deepest regret that the embassy must inform the public of the passing of two Filipinos, both earlier reported to be missing in Antakya,” the Embassy said in a statement.
Antakya is the ancient capital of Hatay Province, the region hit hardest by the worst earthquake in Turkey. Around 21,000 people have died in Turkey and Syria, in what is said to be the “worst disaster of the century.”
The Embassy and the Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul “express their deepest condolences” to the families of the two Filipinos.
Both diplomatic posts have been coordinating with the Turkish authorities and the victims’ families on the repatriation of their remains.
1 Filipina found alive
Amidst the gloom, the Embassy also confirmed reports that a Filipino earlier said to be missing in Antakya was found alive.
The Embassy did not provide additional details about the missing Filipino.
But sources told republicasia, the Filipino survivor is a woman, trapped in a rubble and was rescued Wednesday.
34 Filipinos evacuated
Ten Filipino families from the city of Antakya, composed of 34 Filipinos, their spouses and children, have also survived.
The Philippine Embassy evacuated them out of Antakya and brought to Ankara, the capital of Turkey.
Another embassy team is set to continue its mission from Mersin in southern Turkey to check on other Filipinos who need assistance or evacuation to safer areas.
It said it will continue leading the Philippine team in charge of relief, rescue and evacuation operations in Turkey to account for all Filipinos in affected regions.
Bitter winter amidst tragedy
Filipino survivors in Turkey are struggling in the aftermath of the disaster.
Aside from aftershocks, Filipinos in Turkey are also face freezing weather – with power outages making matters worse.
“We are staying in an open space, mga bata naglatag lang diyan sa sahig, yung mga Pilipino na magulang nila nakaupo lang binabantayan mga anak nila,” OFW Maricel Miquel told CNN Philippines.
Another Filipino worker in Hatay Province named Lisa also said that she stayed in a car after her house suffered large cracks after the quake.
“Parang gusto mong makaiyak parang gusto mo sumigaw pero hindi mo mailabas hindi ka makatulog, hindi ka makakain, naghihintay ka kailan matatapos,” she said.
“Nakakatakot kasi baka may mangyari sayo wala kang matakbuhang pamilya rito. Takot na takot yung mind ko, hindi ko inasahang mangyayari ito,” the OFW added.
