Number of dead continues to rise; UN asks for aid

ANTAKYA, Turkey — The number of people killed in the Feb. 6 earthquakes that devastated parts of southern Turkey and northern Syria continues to rise. As chances of finding more survivors dwindled, some foreign search teams that rushed in to help have started leaving.

Here’s a look at key developments Thursday from the aftermath of the earthquakes:

UN appeals for $1 billion for Turkey

The United Nations has launched an appeal for $1 billion in funds to help humanitarian agencies in Turkey assist millions of people affected by the earthquakes.

A U.N. statement said funding from the appeal would target 5.2 million people, with the resources allowing aid organizations “to swiftly ramp up their operations to support government-led response efforts in areas including food security, protection, education, water and shelter.”

Martin Griffiths, the U.N. undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs, said the people of Turkey were experiencing “unspeakable heartache.” Griffiths visited devastated regions of the country last week.

“I met families who shared their stories of shock and devastation. We must stand with them in their darkest hour and ensure they receive the support they need,” the statement quoted Griffiths as saying.

The U.N. noted the earthquakes damaged schools, hospitals and other public buildings, separated families and orphaned hundreds of children.

In making the appeal, the U.N. also said the country hosts the world’s largest number of refugees, with more than 1.74 million living in 11 provinces hit by the quake.

Death toll rises in Turkey

Turkey’s disaster management agency, AFAD, revised the country’s death toll to 36,187. That pushed the combined reported death toll for Turkey and Syria to 39,875.

More than 108,000 people were injured in Turkey in the 7.8 magnitude quake that struck at 4:17 a.m. local time and a magnitude 7.5 quake the first temblor likely triggered nine hours hours later.

A 17-year-old girl was rescued Thursday morning, 248 hours after the original quake, from the debris of a collapsed building in Kahramanmaras, a city located near the epicenter, Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

The girl, Aleyna Olmez, told reporters from her hospital bed that she was well and tried to pass the time by distracting herself. “I had nothing with me,” she said.