Arrests related to Turkey earthquakes rise to 279

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The number of arrests over the February 6 earthquakes have risen to 279, the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.

Among the arrested, 99 were contractors, 149 were building control officers, 13 were building owners and 18 were those who did illegal alterations to buildings.

Also, there are arrest warrants against 250 people and detention orders for 95 people.

Two people are still in custody, 50 suspects have been found to be dead, and 22 suspects are abroad. Also, 103 people were released after giving statements.

On February 6, two earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.7 and 7.6 struck the southern city of Maraş. The first quake in the Pazarcık district at 4.17 a.m. was followed by the second one in Elbistan about nine hours later.

The quakes affected 11 cities in Türkiye's south and southeast, as well as Syria's northern parts.

The official death toll from the quakes stands at over 47,000 and is expected to increase further, as over 227,000 buildings were destroyed or severely damaged, according to government figures.

Nearly two million people have been displaced due to the earthquakes. (RT/VK)