The survivors of the massive earthquake that had its epicenter in the Kurdish province of Kahramanmaras in southern Turkey are patiently awaiting news of their loved ones stuck under the rubble of collapsed buildings a week after the tremor rocked the country. 

A destructive 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the city of Kahramanmaras last week, with its impact also ripping through neighboring Syria. The confirmed death toll from both countries stands at over 35,000 as of Monday afternoon. 

Since the tremor struck, people in Kahramanmaras have been waiting in front of collapsed buildings for news of their relatives’ rescue or to retrieve their bodies, with teams working day and night to remove the debris from ruined buildings.

A mosque inside the city which remained standing after the quake has become a form of shelter for survivors.

Kahramanmaras and Adiyaman respectively have borne the brunt of the powerful earthquakes in Turkey, and as rescue efforts simmer down, a large number of dead bodies are being taken for burial. 

Photos: Ahmed Omar/Rudaw