Earthquake death toll in Syria surpasses 2,500

People who evacuated their homes warm up around a fire on a street, in the aftermath of the earthquake, in Aleppo, Syria February 8, 2023. REUTERS/Firas Makdesi

The death toll in Syria from a devastating earthquake has surpassed 2,500, according to Syrian state media and a rescue service operating in the insurgent-held northwest.

The White Helmets rescue team said on Twitter the casualty toll in insurgent-held areas has risen to more than 1,280 deaths and more than 2,600 injured.