Turkey cracks down on building contractors as quake death toll reaches grim milestone

Lauren Said-Moorhouse
By Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN
Updated 10:51 AM EST, Mon February 13, 2023
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CNN  — 

Turkish authorities have arrested or detained a number of property developers as the death toll from last week’s catastrophic earthquake soared past 36,000.

The 7.8-magnitude quake that struck southeastern Turkey near the border with Syria last Monday has now caused 31,643 deaths in Turkey, according to the Turkish Emergency Coordination Center SAKOM on Monday. The number of dead in Syria now stands at 4,574, state media said Sunday.

Last week’s earthquake will likely become Turkey’s deadliest – a 1939 quake killed 32,962 people.

Emergency responders have been frantically working to reach residents trapped beneath the rubble in Turkey. In northwest Syria, rescue operations have now ended, the White Helmets volunteer organization said.

As families mourn the loss of loved ones, resentment has grown among those affected and many are now looking to assign blame for the extent of the disaster.

Derya Akdogan is <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/turkey-syria-earthquake-updates-2-13-23-intl/h_e827bff20f259e96e3e34204e5712e5b" target="_blank">rescued from the rubble </a>of a collapsed building in Hatay, Turkey, on February 13.
Derya Akdogan is rescued from the rubble of a collapsed building in Hatay, Turkey, on February 13.
Enes Yildirim/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Two people walk through earthquake ruins in Hatay on February 12.
Two people walk through earthquake ruins in Hatay on February 12.
Murat Kocabas/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images
Members of a Greek rescue team work at the site of a collapsed building in Hatay, Turkey, on Saturday, February 11.
Members of a Greek rescue team work at the site of a collapsed building in Hatay, Turkey, on Saturday, February 11.
Kemal Aslan/Reuters
Sezai Karabas is put on a stretcher after being rescued from rubble on February 11, in Gaziantep, Turkey. Karaba's young daughter Sengul was also rescued.
Sezai Karabas is put on a stretcher after being rescued from rubble on February 11, in Gaziantep, Turkey. Karaba's young daughter Sengul was also rescued.
Halil Fidan/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Residents walk near a destroyed mosque in Antakya, Turkey, on February 10.
Residents walk near a destroyed mosque in Antakya, Turkey, on February 10.
Yasin Akgul/AFP/Getty Images
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets with residents affected by the earthquake in Diyarbakir, Turkey, on February 11.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets with residents affected by the earthquake in Diyarbakir, Turkey, on February 11.
Turkish Presidency/APAImages/Shutterstock
People bury earthquake victims in Adiyaman, Turkey, on Friday, February 10.
People bury earthquake victims in Adiyaman, Turkey, on Friday, February 10.
Emrah Gurel/AP
Rescuers try to free a child trapped under the rubble on February 10, in Hatay, Turkey.
Rescuers try to free a child trapped under the rubble on February 10, in Hatay, Turkey.
Emilie Madi/Reuters
People sit on furniture outside damaged buildings in the rebel-held town of Jandaris, Syria, on February 10.
People sit on furniture outside damaged buildings in the rebel-held town of Jandaris, Syria, on February 10.
Mahmoud Hassano/Reuters
Cranes remove debris next to destroyed buildings in Antakya, Turkey, on February 10.
Cranes remove debris next to destroyed buildings in Antakya, Turkey, on February 10.
Hussein Malla/AP
People mourn their loved ones as earthquake victims are buried in Adiyaman, Turkey, on February 10.
People mourn their loved ones as earthquake victims are buried in Adiyaman, Turkey, on February 10.
Emrah Gurel/AP
Rubble is seen in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, on February 10.
Rubble is seen in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, on February 10.
Stoyan Nenov/Reuters
A man lies on a stretcher after he was rescued in Kahramanmaraş on February 10.
A man lies on a stretcher after he was rescued in Kahramanmaraş on February 10.
Stoyan Nenov/Reuters
This aerial photo shows damage in Kahramanmaraş on February 10.
This aerial photo shows damage in Kahramanmaraş on February 10.
Mehmet Ali Ozcan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Raziye Kilinc is carried through a crowd on a stretcher after she was rescued from a destroyed building in Iskenderun, Turkey, on February 10. Her daughter is seen waving at the top.
Raziye Kilinc is carried through a crowd on a stretcher after she was rescued from a destroyed building in Iskenderun, Turkey, on February 10. Her daughter is seen waving at the top.
Petros Giannakouris/AP
A man walks past collapsed buildings in Hatay, Tuikey, on February 10.
A man walks past collapsed buildings in Hatay, Tuikey, on February 10.
Yasin Akgul/AFP/Getty Images
Search-and-rescue workers aid a cat that was rescued in Kahramanmaraş on February 10.
Search-and-rescue workers aid a cat that was rescued in Kahramanmaraş on February 10.
Evrim Aydin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
A woman mourns at a hospital in Kahramanmaraş while others rest nearby on February 10.
A woman mourns at a hospital in Kahramanmaraş while others rest nearby on February 10.
Suhaib Salem/Reuters
Rescuers carry Zeynep Kahraman after <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/after-104-hours-buried-by-turkey-earthquake-woman-brought-out-alive-2023-02-10/" target="_blank" target="_blank">pulling her alive</a> from the rubble of a building in Kirikhan, Turkey, on February 10.
Rescuers carry Zeynep Kahraman after pulling her alive from the rubble of a building in Kirikhan, Turkey, on February 10.
Piroschka van de Wouw/Reuters
A rescuer shows a hole where he was speaking to Kahraman while she was still under the debris on Thursday, February 9.
A rescuer shows a hole where he was speaking to Kahraman while she was still under the debris on Thursday, February 9.
Piroschka van de Wouw/Reuters
Destruction is seen in the city center of Kahramanmaraş on February 9.
Destruction is seen in the city center of Kahramanmaraş on February 9.
IHA via AP
Rescuers move a 14-year-old girl from under some rubble in Kahramanmaraş on February 9.
Rescuers move a 14-year-old girl from under some rubble in Kahramanmaraş on February 9.
Ronen Zvulun/Reuters
Firefighter Erhan Sarac and other rescue team members celebrate after a successful evacuation in Elbistan, Turkey, on February 9.
Firefighter Erhan Sarac and other rescue team members celebrate after a successful evacuation in Elbistan, Turkey, on February 9.
Mehmet Kacmaz/Getty Images
Mehmet Nasir Duran sits on a chair as heavy machines remove debris from a building where five of his family members were trapped in Nurdagi, Turkey, on February 9.
Mehmet Nasir Duran sits on a chair as heavy machines remove debris from a building where five of his family members were trapped in Nurdagi, Turkey, on February 9.
Petros Giannakouris/AP
People stand next to the dead bodies of earthquake victims in Elbistan on February 9.
People stand next to the dead bodies of earthquake victims in Elbistan on February 9.
Francisco Seco/AP
A man, center, reacts after rescue team members removed the dead body of his father in Elbistan.
A man, center, reacts after rescue team members removed the dead body of his father in Elbistan.
Francisco Seco/AP
Members of search-and-rescue teams work at the site of a collapsed building in Hatay on February 9.
Members of search-and-rescue teams work at the site of a collapsed building in Hatay on February 9.
Kemal Aslan/Reuters
Destruction is seen in the center of Hatay on February 9.
Destruction is seen in the center of Hatay on February 9.
IHA via AP
A couple mourns the loss of their daughter as her body is transferred to Syria from the Turkish crossing point of Cilvegozu on February 9.
A couple mourns the loss of their daughter as her body is transferred to Syria from the Turkish crossing point of Cilvegozu on February 9.
Hussein Malla/AP
A bird pulled from the rubble in Hatay is given water on February 9.
A bird pulled from the rubble in Hatay is given water on February 9.
Cemal Yurttas/dia images via Getty Images
Search-and-rescue efforts continue in Aleppo, Syria, on Wednesday, February 8.
Search-and-rescue efforts continue in Aleppo, Syria, on Wednesday, February 8.
Muhammed Said/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Abdulalim Muaini lies under the rubble next to the body of his wife, Esra, in Hatay on February 8. <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/picture-its-story-man-who-survived-turkey-earthquake-his-family-who-didnt-2023-02-08/" target="_blank" target="_blank">Reuters reported</a> that he was pulled out of the rubble later and survived. His children also died.
Abdulalim Muaini lies under the rubble next to the body of his wife, Esra, in Hatay on February 8. Reuters reported that he was pulled out of the rubble later and survived. His children also died.
Umit Bektas/Reuters
Rescuers carry a man who was stuck in the rubble for two days in Hatay.
Rescuers carry a man who was stuck in the rubble for two days in Hatay.
Bulent Kilic/AFP/Getty Images
Rescue workers carry <a href="https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/turkey-syria-earthquake-updates-2-8-23-intl/h_bd774ec75c5663ab848e61d684bc914c" target="_blank">8-year-old survivor</a> Yigit Cakmak from the site of a collapsed building in Hatay on February 8. It was more than 50 hours after the earthquake struck. The boy was passed from rescuer to rescuer until he was finally in the arms of his mother who was waiting at the site.
Rescue workers carry 8-year-old survivor Yigit Cakmak from the site of a collapsed building in Hatay on February 8. It was more than 50 hours after the earthquake struck. The boy was passed from rescuer to rescuer until he was finally in the arms of his mother who was waiting at the site.
Burak Kara/Getty Images
People work at the site of a collapsed building in Kahramanmaraş on February 8.
People work at the site of a collapsed building in Kahramanmaraş on February 8.
Ronen Zvulun/Reuters
Volunteers distribute aid to people in Antakya, Turkey, on February 8.
Volunteers distribute aid to people in Antakya, Turkey, on February 8.
Khalil Hamra/AP
A firefighter works at the Turkish port of Iskenderun, where a fire broke out in the aftermath of the quake.
A firefighter works at the Turkish port of Iskenderun, where a fire broke out in the aftermath of the quake.
Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters
Mahmut Salman, 16, is rescued in Hatay on February 8.
Mahmut Salman, 16, is rescued in Hatay on February 8.
Murat Sengul/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
A person walks among tents in Kahramanmaraş on February 8.
A person walks among tents in Kahramanmaraş on February 8.
Ozan Kose/AFP/Getty Images
The foot of a dead child is seen under a destroyed building in Kahramanmaraş on February 8.
The foot of a dead child is seen under a destroyed building in Kahramanmaraş on February 8.
Hussein Malla/AP
A firefighter searches for people in the rubble of a destroyed building in Gaziantep, Turkey, on February 8.
A firefighter searches for people in the rubble of a destroyed building in Gaziantep, Turkey, on February 8.
Kamran Jebreili/AP
Search-and-rescue efforts continue in Hatay on Tuesday, February 7.
Search-and-rescue efforts continue in Hatay on Tuesday, February 7.
Murat Sengul/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Search-and-rescue teams carry 2-year-old Vafe Sabha, who was pulled from rubble along with her mother in Hatay on February 8.
Search-and-rescue teams carry 2-year-old Vafe Sabha, who was pulled from rubble along with her mother in Hatay on February 8.
Murat Sengul/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Volunteers share an emotional moment as they take part in a rescue operation in Hatay on February 8.
Volunteers share an emotional moment as they take part in a rescue operation in Hatay on February 8.
Kemal Aslan/Reuters
Mesut Hancer <a href="https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/turkey-syria-earthquake-updates-2-7-23-intl/h_abe9973d81144098a7fe382f62b13d94" target="_blank">holds the hand</a> of his 15-year-old daughter Irmak, who died in Kahramanmaraş.
Mesut Hancer holds the hand of his 15-year-old daughter Irmak, who died in Kahramanmaraş.
Adem Altan/AFP/Getty Images
Smoke billows from the port in Iskenderun as emergency workers continue rescue efforts on February 7.
Smoke billows from the port in Iskenderun as emergency workers continue rescue efforts on February 7.
Burak Kara/Getty Images
Two people embrace near the rubble of a collapsed building in Hatay on February 7.
Two people embrace near the rubble of a collapsed building in Hatay on February 7.
Umit Bektas/Reuters
Emergency workers search for people in a destroyed building in Adana, Turkey, on February 7.
Emergency workers search for people in a destroyed building in Adana, Turkey, on February 7.
Francisco Seco/AP
A baby girl who was <a href="https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/turkey-syria-earthquake-updates-2-7-23-intl/h_c188508ebd6a0fb641e2c682af0e9ba2" target="_blank">reportedly rescued from the rubble of her family's home</a> receives treatment at a hospital in Afrin, Syria, on February 7. Her umbilical cord was still attached to her mother when she was found, <a href="https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230207-syria-newborn-pulled-alive-from-quake-rubble" target="_blank" target="_blank">a relative told Agence France-Presse</a>. Her mother is believed to have died after giving birth.
A baby girl who was reportedly rescued from the rubble of her family's home receives treatment at a hospital in Afrin, Syria, on February 7. Her umbilical cord was still attached to her mother when she was found, a relative told Agence France-Presse. Her mother is believed to have died after giving birth.
Ghaith Alsayed/AP
People in the Syrian village of Hajji Iskandar mourn over the bodies of a family and close neighbors who were killed in the quake.
People in the Syrian village of Hajji Iskandar mourn over the bodies of a family and close neighbors who were killed in the quake.
Rami Al Sayed/AFP/Getty Images
People wait for news of their loved ones, who were believed to be trapped under a collapsed building in Hatay on February 7.
People wait for news of their loved ones, who were believed to be trapped under a collapsed building in Hatay on February 7.
Burak Kara/Getty Images
Destruction is seen in Hatay's city center on February 7.
Destruction is seen in Hatay's city center on February 7.
IHA via AP
Police carry a child who was rescued from rubble in Hatay on February 7.
Police carry a child who was rescued from rubble in Hatay on February 7.
Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
A man reacts in Jandaris, Syria, on February 7.
A man reacts in Jandaris, Syria, on February 7.
Khalil Ashawi/Reuters
Search-and-rescue efforts continue through cold weather conditions in Malatya, Turkey, on February 7.
Search-and-rescue efforts continue through cold weather conditions in Malatya, Turkey, on February 7.
Sercan Kucuksahin/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
People try to identify the bodies of victims outside a hospital in Aleppo on Monday, February 6.
People try to identify the bodies of victims outside a hospital in Aleppo on Monday, February 6.
Omar Sanadiki/AP
A woman mourns for a dead relative in Turkey's Hatay province on February 7.
A woman mourns for a dead relative in Turkey's Hatay province on February 7.
Umit Bektas/Reuters
A rescue team works at a collapsed building in Osmaniye, Turkey, on February 6.
A rescue team works at a collapsed building in Osmaniye, Turkey, on February 6.
Dilara Senkaya/Reuters
A child looks out from a bus where people were sleeping in Antakya on February 6.
A child looks out from a bus where people were sleeping in Antakya on February 6.
Umit Bektas/Reuters
People gather around a bonfire in Kahramanmaraş.
People gather around a bonfire in Kahramanmaraş.
Cagla Gurdogan/Reuters
Search-and-rescue personnel work at a collapsed building in Malatya on February 6.
Search-and-rescue personnel work at a collapsed building in Malatya on February 6.
Hakan Burak Altunoz/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Residents rescue an injured girl from the rubble of a collapsed building in Jandaris on February 6.
Residents rescue an injured girl from the rubble of a collapsed building in Jandaris on February 6.
Rami al Sayed/AFP/Getty Images
Rescuers work in Antakya on February 6.
Rescuers work in Antakya on February 6.
Umit Bektas/Reuters
A man weeps as he carries the body of his infant son who was killed in Jandaris.
A man weeps as he carries the body of his infant son who was killed in Jandaris.
Bakr Alkasem/AFP/Getty Images
This aerial photo shows damage in Hatay on February 6.
This aerial photo shows damage in Hatay on February 6.
Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
A fire burns near overturned containers in Hatay.
A fire burns near overturned containers in Hatay.
Murat Sengul/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
People wait as rescue operations take place in Diyarbakir, Turkey, on February 6.
People wait as rescue operations take place in Diyarbakir, Turkey, on February 6.