Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has acknowledged shortcomings in the country's response to Monday's deadly earthquake.
His
administration is facing growing criticism for slow deployments of
rescue teams as the death toll from the tremor that hit Turkey and Syria
this week surpassed 19,000 on Thursday morning.
- A major earthquake devastated regions of Turkey and Syria on Monday.
- Turkish authorities confirmed that the country's death toll reached 16,170 by Thursday morning.
- The death toll in Syria has risen above 3,000, according to local authorities.
- Over 110,000 rescue personnel are taking part in the Turkish rescue effort but many have criticized the government for acting too slowly.
- Erdogan acknowledged on
Wednesday that there had been "shortcomings" in his government's
response to the disaster but also blamed critics for being “dishonorable
people” who were spreading “lies and slander.”
- Turkey's general election is set to be held on May 14.
- Some analysts believe Erdogan's response to the disaster could harm his efforts to win reelection, while others say it may boost his campaign.
