Parsippany Mayor Speaks Out After Deadly Earthquake In Turkey, Syria: 'Unfathomable'

PARSIPPANY, NJ — As the death toll rises from last week's earthquake in Syria and Turkey, several New Jersey leaders have spoken out about the catastrophe while rescue efforts continue. With tens of thousands dead and communities reduced to rubble, Parsippany Mayor James Barberio called the devastation "unfathomable."

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of those who have perished or who have been affected by the tragic earthquake in Turkey and Syria," Barberio said Saturday in a statement. "The thousands of lives that have been lost and the horrific toll of devastation is unfathomable. The world mourns with you as the death toll mounts and we rejoice with you as survivors are found.

"For every victory of life discovered, we humbly thank the emergency rescue workers and volunteers who are still tirelessly searching through the rubble for more miracles. May God bless you and provide you with strength and resilience to see you through this time."

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on Feb. 6, killing at least 36,000 people and injuring tens of thousands, according to the nations' officials.

North Jersey has some of the largest Syrian and Turkish populations in the United States, according to Census Bureau data.

Local residents connected to the impacted communities include Ali Elmas, who owns Turkish eatery Bosphorus Restaurant in Lake Hiawatha. Elmas, who hails from Hatay, Turkey, started a GoFundMe to help victims of the earthquake get vital supplies.

• Read more: Turkish Restaurant Owner In Parsippany Raises Funds For Earthquake Aid

The earthquake was Turkey's deadliest since the 1939 Erzincan earthquake — both were the strongest the nation endured since 1668. In Syria, last week's earthquake was the deadliest since 1822.