Erdogan admits weaknesses after criticism of quake response

ANTAKYA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conceded weaknesses on Wednesday, after criticizing his government's response to the massive earthquake that killed over 11,700 people in T rkiye and Syria.

The magnitude of the disaster that has flattened thousands of buildings, trapping an unknown number of people, has swamped relief operations already hampered by freezing weather.

Survivors were left to scramble for food and shelter - and in some cases watch helplessly as their relatives called for help, and eventually went silent under the debris.

My nephew, my sister-in- law and my sister-in- law's sister are in the ruins. Semire Coban, a kindergarten teacher, said they are trapped under the ruins and there is no sign of life.

We are trying to talk to them but they are not responding. We are waiting for help. She said it has been going on for 48 hours now.