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Turkey-Syria earthquake: Builders sued as death toll tops 33,000

The death count in the massive earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria last week, has topped 33,000, as Turkish authorities began legal action against builders for the building collapses and deployed several measures in a bid to maintain order across the disaster zone.

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turkey earthquake

The death count in the massive earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria last week, has topped 33,000, as Turkish authorities began legal action against builders for the building collapses and deployed several measures in a bid to maintain order across the disaster zone.

On Sunday, rescue workers continued to pull more survivors from under the rubble, however, the chances of finding more survivors are dwindling each passing since the disaster hit.

Authorities confirmed that at least 33,000 people are confirmed dead across both countries in what is described as the deadliest quake to strike Turkey since 1939, even as the death count is expected to rise over the coming days as bodies are pulled from the debris.  

According to reports, business owners in Antakya in southern Turkey—one of the worst hit cities—emptied their shops on Sunday to secure their merchandise from being robbed by looters who are roaming the streets.

A Reuters report quoting residents and aid workers from other cities cited worsening security conditions, with widespread accounts of businesses and collapsed homes being robbed.

President Tayyip Erdogan, who has faced backlash over his government’s response to the disaster, has assured that authorities will deal firmly with looters.

In militant-held northwest Syria—one of the hardest hit areas by the quake—thousands are once again homeless in the war-torn nation as the region has received meagre aid compared to government-held areas.

United Nations aid chief Martin Griffiths in a tweet said that “we have failed” the people in north-west Syria and that they feel abandoned, adding that he was focused on addressing that swiftly.

-Miracles-

Nearly a week after the disaster, survivors miraculously clinging to life under the rubble of buildings that became tombs for thousands, were found by rescue workers.

54-year-old Malik Milandi of Syria, was rescued by a team of Chinese rescuers and Turkish firefighters after he survived 156 hours under the rubble in Antakya.

A father and daughter, a toddler and a 10-year-old girl were among other survivors pulled from the ruins of collapsed buildings Sunday, but such scenes were becoming rare as the number of dead climbed relentlessly.

On the main road into the city the few buildings left standing had large cracks or caved-in facades. Traffic occasionally halted as rescuers called for silence to detect signs of remaining life under the ruins.

-Crackdown against builders-

The massive 7.8 magnitude tremor has put sharp focus on the quality of building in Turkey and forced the government to take action against the culprits.

In a statement, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said 131 suspects had so far been identified as responsible for the collapse of some of the thousands of buildings flattened in the 10 affected provinces.

Oktay said that this process will be followed by the government meticulously until the necessary judicial process is concluded, especially for buildings that suffered heavy damage and buildings that caused deaths and injuries.

Survivors and opposition politicians have accused the Erdogan regime of slow and inadequate relief efforts early on, and critics have questioned why the army, which played a key role after a 1999 earthquake, was not brought in sooner.

Read Also: US asks its citizens to depart Russia immediately or risk harassment, arrest

Erdogan has acknowledged problems, such as the challenge of delivering aid despite damaged transport links, but said the situation had been brought under control.

On Thursday, World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus left for Syria to oversee aid efforts as bitter cold hampered the search of thousands of flattened buildings and threatened the lives of many quake victims who are without shelter and drinking water.

The quake ranks as the world’s sixth deadliest natural disaster this century, its death toll exceeding the 31,000 from a quake in neighbouring Iran in 2003.

The calamity has killed 29,605 people in Turkey and more than 3,500 in Syria, where tolls have not been updated for two days.

Turkey said about 80,000 people were in hospital, and more than 1 million in temporary shelters.

Turkey is in one of the world’s most active seismic zones in the world. A 7.8-magnitude tremor in 1939 killed over 33,000 people in the eastern Erzincan province.

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Barron Trump, now towering at 6’9″, takes center stage at father’s inauguration

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Barron Trump, now towering at 6'9", takes center stage at father's inauguration

During the recent presidential inauguration, Barron Trump, the son of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, captured significant attention due to his impressive stature and growing influence. Now 17, Barron stands a striking 6 feet 9 inches tall and has taken on an advisory role within his father’s political campaign.

At the ceremony, President Trump took a moment to highlight Barron’s contributions, especially his insights into the youth electorate, which reportedly helped secure a substantial lead in that demographic. “Barron has a deep understanding of the youth vote, encouraging strategies that ultimately delivered us a 36-point lead among young voters,” stated President Trump during his speech.

Barron, who celebrated his first vote in the last November election, has been recognized not only for his height but also for his intellect and strategic thinking. His suggestion for his father to appear on the Joe Rogan podcast, which amassed over 50 million views, was a notable campaign triumph.

Born on March 20, 2006, Barron is the youngest child of Donald and Melania Trump and the only one among his siblings to have attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Maryland, following his earlier education at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School in Manhattan. He is currently a freshman at New York University’s Stern School of Business.

His appearance at the inauguration not only highlighted his stature but also his growing importance in Trump’s circle, marking him as a significant figure in the current political landscape.

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Biden issues pre-emptive pardons in final hours to shield key figures from political prosecution

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In a dramatic and unprecedented move just hours before leaving office, President Joe Biden has issued a series of pre-emptive pardons to prominent figures who could face politically motivated charges under the incoming administration of Donald Trump. The pardons include former COVID-19 advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired general Mark Milley, and members of the U.S. House committee that investigated the January 6 Capitol attack.

Biden issued a statement on Monday, emphasizing the need to protect these individuals from potential “politically motivated prosecutions” that could be initiated once Trump assumes office. “These public servants have served our nation with honor and distinction, and they do not deserve to be the targets of unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions,” Biden said, asserting that he could not, in good conscience, remain inactive as these figures faced potential legal battles.

Among the key figures pardoned are Dr. Fauci, who became the face of America’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the Trump administration, Fauci’s clear and science-backed messages often put him at odds with the president and his allies, who criticized his approach. His prominence during the pandemic made him a frequent target for right-wing figures, including Elon Musk, who called for his prosecution.

General Milley, who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Trump, was also granted a pardon. Milley had drawn Trump’s ire after making critical remarks about the former president and discussing his actions during the January 6 attack. Furthermore, Milley’s secret communications with his Chinese counterpart during the Capitol riot, aimed at reassuring China of the U.S. military’s stability, sparked a storm of controversy, with Trump calling for his execution on social media.

In addition to Fauci and Milley, Biden also pardoned members, staff, and witnesses associated with the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. These individuals, including former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney, faced significant personal and political threats as they uncovered the extent of Trump’s involvement in the violent attack by his supporters.

Biden’s decision to issue these pardons was framed as a protective measure for public servants who have been subjected to what he described as “baseless and politically motivated investigations” that, according to him, have caused undue harm to these individuals’ personal and professional lives. The pardons, however, were also accompanied by a statement clarifying that they should not be viewed as an admission of any wrongdoing.

Trump, who was set to be inaugurated on the same day, has repeatedly promised “retribution” against his political opponents. He has vowed to use the full extent of his power to prosecute those he sees as enemies, including members of the January 6 committee and figures who opposed his agenda during his presidency.

This move, just hours before the transfer of power, highlights the tension between Biden and Trump as the political landscape prepares for a new chapter. Biden’s actions signal a firm stance against what he perceives as politically motivated legal tactics and retribution, even as Trump begins his second term in office.

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Trump set for swearing-in as 47th President amid cold snap in Washington

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Former US President Donald Trump

Washington is bracing for the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States, scheduled for January 20, 2025, in the Rotunda of the US Capitol. This venue change, prompted by an unusually cold forecast, marks a departure from the traditional platform setup on the Capitol’s West Lawn.

Trump, who has overcome two impeachment trials, a felony conviction, assassination attempts, and an indictment for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results, is making a historic return to the presidency after defeating Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. Alongside him, JD Vance, the Vice President-elect, will be sworn in, setting the stage for a new chapter in American politics.

The inauguration ceremony promises to be a highly orchestrated event, reflecting both tradition and Trump’s unique approach to governance. The President-elect is expected to outline his administration’s priorities in his inaugural address, focusing on stringent immigration control, aggressive executive powers, and policies aimed at redefining America’s role globally.

Trump’s commitment to act swiftly on key issues was evident during his pre-inaugural celebrations, including a campaign-style rally and a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. His supporters are anticipating a series of executive actions on his first day in office, particularly concerning immigration and national security.

Despite the change in venue and the chilly weather, the inauguration is set to feature all the ceremonial pomp. However, the planned parade down Pennsylvania Avenue has been modified, with festivities moving to the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C.

This inauguration is not just a ceremonial transfer of power but a significant pivot point for U.S. policy and international relations. As Trump prepares to deliver his inaugural address, the nation and the world await the impact of his promised reforms and leadership style.

For global audiences and those in the U.S., the event will be covered extensively by major news networks and streamed online, ensuring that no one misses out on this significant political moment.

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