Turkey will have a three-month state of emergency across areas hit by Monday's deadly earthquakes. Two very powerful quakes hit Turkey nine hours apart. The first was a magnitude 7.5; the second registered 7.8 on the Richter scale. They are two of the biggest earthquakes ever to hit Turkey. They caused huge loss of life and damage in Turkey and in Syria. Turkey's president warned of a "large number of aftershocks". He said: "Our teams are working to reach the disaster areas.…We are rapidly continuing the search and rescue operations…despite…the terrible weather."

The international community has given support to Turkey and Syria. The EU sent more than 1,150 rescue workers. Emergency teams will give "essential health care to the injured and most vulnerable people". Mexico sent a team of dogs and rescuers who are experts in finding survivors in the rubble. The U.S. president was "deeply saddened by the loss of life…caused by the earthquakes". He promised to give "any help that is needed". Germany said: "We mourn with the victims and fear for those buried." Syria will also get a lot of help. It has already suffered for years from war.