Photo/VCG

Feb.2 (NBD) -- The death toll of the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6 has risen to over 5,000, according to the latest reports.

Turkish Vice President Oktay confirmed that the number of fatalities in Turkey alone has risen to 3,419, with 20,534 injured. The earthquake has also caused extensive damage in Syria, with the death toll in both countries now surpassing 5,000.

Oktay stated that the rescue efforts are currently focused on the three worst-hit provinces—— Kahramanmaras, Hatay, and Adiyaman, as well as the province of Malatya. He admitted that due to harsh weather, some areas are still inaccessible and rescue operations have been hampered. He also announced that only vehicles related to rescue and supply operations will be allowed to enter and leave the affected provinces.

It is noticed that Tang Xiaoqiang, a regular guest on the popular Chinese variety show "Informal Talks", disappeared in the earthquake.

Photo/Weibo of Tang's friend

According to a post by a friend of Tang, he was buried in the rubble of a hotel in Turkey. The show's official Weibo account has also posted a message of support for Tang. Tang, who graduated from Xiamen University and has been living in Xiamen, China, had gone to Turkey to visit his family.

In response to the Turkish government's request, the Chinese government has dispatched a rescue team to Turkey. On the afternoon of February 7, a team of 82 people, along with rescue equipment and supplies, departed from Beijing through a charter flight.

Photo/Weibo of Ministry of Emergency Management of China

The team is composed of personnel from the Beijing Fire Rescue Corps, the National Earthquake Response Support Service, and the Emergency General Hospital.