Earthquake: Death Toll Surpasses 5,000, WHO Says It May Reach 20,000

The death toll from the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and northern Syria has surpassed 5,000.

On Monday, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and the devastating effect was felt in Syria, which shares border with Turkey.

On Tuesday, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay told reporters that 800 people had been pulled from under rubble while there were 20,000 people in national rescue teams.

Tens of thousands of people were injured in the two nations. An untold number more were left homeless in cold winter conditions.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said up to 20,000 people may die from the earthquakes in the coming week.