EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 January 1940, Page 5

EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

ESTIMATE OF 45,000 DEATHS IN TURKEY NAZI BROADCASTS CAUSE INDIGNATION. PROVOKING THE WORLD’S DISGUST. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. ANKARA. January 1. The first official estimate of the earthquake casualties gives the number dead as 45,000. While rescue work is proceeding villagers are taking refuge in the mountains from the Anatolian floods. There is almost total submergence in the Gulf of Ismid area, the site of a Turkish naval base. The Kemal Pasha dams burst and hundreds of houses collapsed, pinning 150 occupants in the ruins. The survivors fled in boats. The floods are now subsiding but the rain continues. Milder earthquake shocks are reported. Huge fissures have been torn in the mountain sides between Amasya and Tokat and are belching smoke, sulphur and boiling water. Many vessels are feared to have been lost in storms on the Black Sea. The steamer Turkan sank with her crew of 20. Trains crowded with injured are arriving at Sivas. The survivors are mental and physical wrecks, babbling disconnected tales of the horror- of their situation, which lasted four days till rescuers reached Erzincan. The Turkish Press is indignant at German broadcasts, which not only refrain from expressing sympathy, but i also comment on mistaken Turkish policy, comparing the country's present leaders adversely with Kamal Ataturk. The Press compares this attitude with Britain’s sympathy, and says it confirms the view that the Germans are doing their utmost to provoke the world's disgust. The Shah of Iran has telegraphed his sympathy to President Inonu, and the Government has cabled £625 to Ihe Red Crescent.