In quake-hit Kahramanmaras, the stench of death lingers

Many bodies remain buried under collapsed buildings like this one in Kahramanmaras, Turkey [Patrick Keddie/Al Jazeera]

Kahramanmaras, Turkey – The air in Kahramanmaras is heavy. It is hard to breathe, full of dust and toxic smoke.

Survivors in this southeastern Turkish city, closest to the epicentre of a devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake last week, burn plastic to stay warm amid freezing temperatures. Plumes of grey dust can be seen for miles as recovery operations stir the debris.