South Africa's ambassador to Turkiye, Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba says a prison collapsed during the earthquake - where seven South Africans are detained.
The ambassador says her team is not aware of the extent of damage or how many South Africans have made it out alive.
We are told the prison has also collapsed, but we don’t know whether we have survivors or people are still trapped under the rubble. Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba, South Africa's ambassador to Turkey
3,400 people have died following an A 7.8-magnitude earthquake that ripped through Turkey and Syria on Monday.
Based in Ankara - Turkey’s capital city - Duba says her team has not been able to reach the site of disaster near the Turkey-Syria border.
Moreover, the department also needs a record of citizens working, living, or touring the country.
We were worried because our South African citizens were also in the regions. Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba, South Africa's ambassador to Turkey
Meanwhile, the ambassador called on disaster relief group Gift of the Givers to help South Africans in the region.
Founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman said his teams are expected to fly out tomorrow to bolster search and rescue efforts.
Listen to the full interview with Dr Imtiaz Sooliman and Africa Melane.
Collectively the number are going to be very high. It's one of the largest earthquakes we have had since 1939.Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder - Gift of the Givers
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