The Philippine Embassy in Ankara, Turkiye has confirmed that two Filipinos died from the powerful magnitude 7.8 quake that hit the country 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.
“The embassy and the consulate general express their deepest condolences and are in coordination with the victims’ families in both the Philippines and in Türkiye,” it added.
The embassy also confirmed reports that a Filipino earlier said to be missing in Antakya was found alive.
The Philippine embassy said it has also evacuated more than 10 Filipino families who are now being shuttled to Ankara where they will be sheltered.
It said it will continue leading the Philippine team in charge of relief, rescue and evacuation operations in Türkiye to account for all Filipinos in affected regions.
The death toll in the quake has breached 21,000, making it one of the most deadly and powerful quakes in recent history.
