WHO: Turkey, Syria quake could affect up to 23m

The situation is particularly dire in northern Syria, which has already been decimated by years of war. (Photo: AFP)

GENEVA: Up to 23 million people could be affected by the massive earthquake that has killed thousands in Turkey and Syria, the WHO warned on Tuesday, promising long-term assistance.

"Event overview maps show that potentially 23 million people are exposed, including around five million vulnerable populations," the World Health Organization's senior emergencies officer Adelheid Marschang said.