Erdogan: The biggest disaster since 1939 Erzincan earthquake

Turkey has experienced the "biggest disaster" of the last century after the 1939 Erzincan earthquake, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said after a massive earthquake struck the southern provinces Monday morning, claiming at least 912 lives.

Some 9,000 emergency personnel are currently engaged in search and rescue efforts, Erdogan said: "This number is constantly increasing with those coming to the region from outside."

He added that 10 more governors have been appointed to work with regional governors in post-earthquake efforts.

The president warned that people and institutions seeking assistance in the region should act in coordination with the Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD), saying, "Assistance that is not coordinated with this agency leads to confusion and makes it difficult to achieve the goal"

He also called on the nation to be "one heart" and said, "I hope we will put these catastrophic days behind us in unity and solidarity as a country and a nation."