The death toll from Monday’s earthquake in Turkey and Syria is approaching 16,000.

The earthquake measured 7.8 on the Richter scale and has caused widespread devastation across the Turkish south east and Syria’s north west. 

Rescuers continue to pull people from the rubble but freezing overnight temperatures have made that increasingly difficult. 

Aid is pouring into affected areas and Turkey's Ambassador to Ireland Hakan Olcay said he was “overwhelmed” by the Irish people’s contribution. 

“Our Embassy, yesterday morning, started a campaign and we are collecting donations at the Embassy,” Mr Olcay said. 

“Yesterday, we sent four tons of aid with Turkish Airlines and today we will be sending even more in the course of the day. 

“The people of Ireland have been wonderful in responding to our call - including the Turkish community which lives here. 

“We are overwhelmed with the support that we are getting.” 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared a three-month state of emergency in the country’s 10 affected provinces.

Main image: Rescue workers. Picture by: Alamy.com