Death Toll from Turkey and Syria Earthquakes Tops 17,000, Continues to Rise

The death toll from Monday’s devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria has topped 17,000 and continues to rise, as search-and-rescue crews warn the chance of finding survivors in the rubble is rapidly dwindling. Survivors face unfathomable conditions without shelter, heat, food, water or medical care. The first U.N. aid has finally reached northwest Syria three days after the quakes. Rescue efforts there have been complicated by damage and displacement from 12 years of war and harsh sanctions. This is Rob Holden, the World Health Organization’s incident manager for the earthquakes.