The death toll from a magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Friday continues to rise, with the latest reports from the Turkish government estimating that over 23,000 people have been killed. The disaster has left Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan looking vulnerable, as his government has been widely criticized for its inadequate response to the crisis.

The earthquake, which hit the city of Elazig in eastern Turkey, was felt as far away as Istanbul and northern Syria. In Syria, the death toll is estimated to be around 500, with thousands more injured.

The disaster has also highlighted the significant aid gap between the two countries. While Turkey has received international aid, including from the United States, Syria has received little to no help. This has led to accusations of double standards from Middle East Eye, which argues that the West has chosen to ignore the suffering of Syrian citizens.

Technology has also played a role in the response to the disaster. Advanced mapping technology has been used to help rescuers search for survivors and identify buildings that are at risk of collapse. This has enabled aid workers to reach more people in need faster.

The tragedy has also had a personal impact on many of those affected. One survivor, a Syrian man, told Reuters that he had lost his family of five in “one second.”

The full extent of the devastation caused by the earthquake is still being assessed, and the death toll is expected to rise further. It is clear, however, that the disaster has had a devastating impact on both Turkey and Syria, and that more aid is desperately needed.