With heavy heart we share the devastating news of the recent earthquakes in Türkiye, Kahramanmaraş and its surrounding provinces. The aftermath of the 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes has left a trail of destruction and heartache, with a staggering loss of lifes and numerous buildings crumbled.
Search and rescue national and international teams are working tirelessly across 10 provinces, continuing their efforts to locate survivors amidst the rubble. The total death toll has surpassed 35.000.
Such massive tragedy could not avoid to affect our weightlifting family. It is with deep sorrow that we share the loss of three dear people who were part of the weightlifting movement: Yaşar BEKÇİ, an esteemed athlete, Akif AKBEN, a former national team coach, and Durdu Mehmet AK, a respected referee. Their passing is a tremendous loss and our thoughts and condolences go out to their loved ones during this very difficult time.
Turkish Weightlifting Federation President, Mr. Talat ÜNLÜ and Mr. Vice President Yasin ARSLAN have visited the earthquake zones.
EWF stands in solidarity with the people of Kahramanmaraş and the surrounding regions and continue to investigate any possibility to support the weightlifting community in Türkiye.
