Azernews.Az

Azerbaijani rescue workers have saved two teenagers trapped under the rubble after Sunday’s devastating earthquake in eastern Turkey. Two dead bodies were removed as well, according to Azerbaijan’s emergencies ministry.

The rescue of the youngsters, aged 15 and 17, in the Turkish town of Ercis, brings to 12 the total number of the people saved by Azerbaijani rescuers after the natural disaster in Turkey’s Van province. Azerbaijani rescue workers have also recovered 54 dead bodies from the debris so far.

570 people have been reported killed and 2,555 injured in the 7.2 magnitude quake. The death toll is expected to rise further as rescue officials fear for the many who remain trapped under the rubble. 187 people have been removed from the debris so far.

Earlier, a 20-year-old Azerbaijani woman was successfully removed from the rubble after five hours of efforts by rescue workers, though her arm had to be amputated to save her life.

Immediately after the earthquake, the Azerbaijani government sent three planes to Turkey carrying rescue workers and first aid items, as well as a convoy of cars carrying tents, power generators, kitchenware kits and blankets.