According to Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu, Turkish authorities have arrested at least 97 people following theft and looting in the earthquake region. Anadolu has reported that there have been 232 investigations related to theft, looting, and fraud in the region since the earthquakes that affected 10 provinces.
The investigations regarding the 232 incidents were initiated by Turkey's Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. The Turkish government is taking a tough stance against those who seek to take advantage of the vulnerable situation of earthquake victims, and authorities are actively working to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
The United Nations aid chief, Martin Griffiths, has stated that the rescue phase of the earthquake response is "coming to a close". During a visit to the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, Griffiths expressed his concern about the extent of the damage caused by the earthquakes, stating that even in Aleppo, which has suffered greatly over the years, the recent earthquake was among the worst the people had experienced.
Griffiths has announced that his office will launch appeals in the next day or so for both Turkey and Syria to cover roughly three months of Humanitarian needs. This will enable the UN to provide necessary support to those affected by the earthquakes, especially those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. The UN is working closely with the governments of Turkey and Syria to provide relief and assistance to those in need.
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