Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in the ten regions most hit by an earthquake that killed hundreds.
According to Mr. Erdogan, the death toll in Turkey has grown to 3,549 persons.
Over 1,600 individuals are said to have perished in Syria.
Mr Erdogan stated in a televised address that the state of emergency is in place to guarantee that rescue efforts may be “taken out rapidly” in the country’s south-east.
He stated that the measures will let relief personnel and financial help into impacted areas, but provided no additional specifics.
The rule of emergency will be lifted soon before elections on 14 May, when Mr Erdogan will seek re-election after 20 years in office.
Turkey last declared a state of emergency after a failed coup attempt in 2016. Two years later, it was lifted.