State and government officials in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus have issued messages upon hearing of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that was centred in the Pazarcik district in Türkiye’s southern province of Kahramanmaraş.

President Ersin Tatar issued a statement regarding the earthquake in Türkiye that was also felt in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

He said “we woke up to very sad news from Türkiye. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake has led to much damage and there have been many aftershocks. Adana, Kahramanmaraş, Adıyaman, Malatya, Gaziantep, Diyarbakır and Urfa have suffered”.

President Tatar also confirmed that there were groups of athletes from the TRNC who travelled to Türkiye for sporting purposes and were in the disaster areas.

“We are mobilizing with all our means to reach our teams” said Tatar.

Parliamentary Speaker Zorlu Töre also issued a message expressing his deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones in the earthquake.

He also wished those injured in the earthquake a speedy recovery.

Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu also expressed his deepest condolences to motherland Türkiye.

He also wished those who were injured a speedy recovery.

Prime Minister Ünal Üstel for his part took part on a live broadcast on BRT and expressed his deep sorrow.

He also conveyed his best wishes to both Türkiye and the people of the TRNC where the earthquake was felt.

He also wished those injured a speedy recovery.

The Premier also said that the Council of Ministers will convene at an extraordinary session today and that all steps will be taken to assist Türkiye during these difficult times.

“We will mobilize for our Motherland, we will use all means to assist those who have been affected by the earthquake” said Üstel.

A statement was also issued by the TRNC Ambassador to Ankara İsmet Korukoğlu to BRT regarding the earthquake in Türkiye.

Korukoğlu said that the earthquake occurred at a point very close to the surface therefore it was very intense.

He also said that he had received good news from the TRNC athletes and students in Kahramanmaraş.

“We are in contact with our students in Kahramanmaraş. We will try to get more information during the day. We are also in contact with the authorities here” said Korukoğlu.